PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - tectosilicates
- COMPOSITION SiO2
- COLOR Red
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Hexagonal / trigonal
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Massive
- HARDNESS 7
- FRACTURE Uneven
- EXFOLIATION Null
- GLOSS Cerulean to matte
- STRIP White
- TRANSPARENCY Translucent
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.7
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The carnelian or carneola is a variety of chalcedony orange, a quartz microcrystalline that forms renicular aggregates. It is usually found in massive habit. It is also often called carnelian agate since it sometimes presents the characteristic bands of agate. Its color is due to the iron oxide it contains. They usually appear in hydrothermal veins and in volcanic or sedimentary rocks.
Deposits: Brazil, United States, Great Britain, India and Peru.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The carnelian helps to balance the 1st and 2nd chakra, providing vitality and strength. It favors the overcoming of fears, insecurities and discouragement. It facilitates the ability to relate and helps regulate emotions. On a healing level, carnelian is said to strengthen and heal the sexual and reproductive organs, and is often used together with a garnet to activate sexual energy.
