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carnelian - venerable stone of antiquity

carnelian

carnelian, garnet & black onyx necklace

compositionsilicon dioxide
name sourcethought to be from the Latin carne, meaning "flesh" (due to the stone's coloring) or from the Latin cornum, referring to the color of the kornel cherry
other accepted namescornelian, cornalin, sardoine, pigeon blood agate
historical aliases"blood of Isis," "Mecca stone"
color reddish orange and may be faintly banded
color sourcepresence of iron oxide impurities
significant sourcesIndia, Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, US (California)
MOH scale7
care and treatmentClean in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Carnelian may be heat-treated so take care when wearing in the sun as exposure will change the color.