Hardness: 7.00
Refractive Index: 1.53-1.54
Specific Gravity: 2.60
Birthstone: May, July, August.
Astral stone: Aires, Taurus, Virgo
Anniversary Stone:
Origination: India & South America
Care & Cleaning: Soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse or mild solution of soap & water.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Astrologers usually associate carnelian with the planet Mars.
Carnelian is a member of the chalcedony family.
India is considered by most to produce the best quality carnelian in the world.
Found in a banded variety in its resident rock, the bands of carnelian disappear over the course of time with prolonged exposure to the sun.
Preferable color is described as �tomato red�.
In jewelry, carnelian is generally seen en cabochon or as a flat cut.
Carnelian is often set with other similar gems such as malachite and onyx, in southwestern designs.
The intensity of color in carnelian is dependent on its iron content.
Sometimes carnelian is used in the carving of a cameo.
Ancient Egyptians believed carnelian would calm the blood, soften repressed anger, and assure a calm and peaceful life.
Carnelian was frequently buried with royalty.
Norway and Sweden at one time considered carnelian as their international gem.