She, loving once and always, wears, if wise,
Carnelian—and her home is paradise.

Carnelian is a translucent reddish-orange variety of microcrystalline quartz. Microcrystalline means that the crystals that make up the mineral are too small to see with the naked eye. Minerals with a microcrystalline structure often have a cloudy, waxy look.

Caring for Carnelian

Most carnelian on the market today is dyed. Dying gemstones is an extremely common and legitimate treatment in the gem trade, but buyers should be honestly informed in order to properly care for their gemstones. Dyed gemstones should never be immersed in chemical cleaning solutions that contain ammonia or other solvents, as the chemicals may alter or remove the stone’s color. Ultrasonic cleaners should also be avoided.

Folklore

Carnelian is named for the Latin word for “flesh” and has been thought to slow the heart rate, stop bleeding, and calm one’s temper. Yet, as a red gemstone, carnelian was also thought to have somewhat stimulating effects, such as giving its wearer an ability to speak boldly. Carnelian has also been thought of as a powerful talisman against the evil eye.

Protection from the Evil Eye

Carnelian was a powerful amulet in Islamic traditions, as the prophet Mohammed himself was said to wear a silver pinky ring set with an engraved carnelian. In the East, a common fear was fear of the evil eye of the envious. It was believed that envy could cause harm to the one envied. An Islamic prayer engraved in carnelian asks for protection from the envious evil eye:

In the name of Allah the Just, the very Just!
I implore you, O Allah King of the World,
Allah of the World, deliver us from the devil,
Who tries to do harm and evil to us through
Bad people, and from the evil of the envious.

Goethe on Carnelian

German poet philosopher Goethe (1749-1832) wrote of the carnelian:

Carnelian is a talisman,
It brings good luck to child and man;
If resting on an onyx ground,
A sacred kiss imprint when found.
It drives away all evil things;
To thee and thine protection brings.
The name of Allah, king of kings,
If graven on this stone, indeed,
Will move to love and doughty deed.
From such a gem a woman gains
Sweet hope and comfort in her pains.

Dreaming of Carnelian

In Victorian times, dreaming of carnelian foretold of impending misfortune.

Symbolism

Day: Thursday

Birthstone, pre-1900: August
Birthstone, pre-1900, Arabic: July
Birthstone, pre-1900, Italian: August
Birthstone, pre-1900, Jewish: August
Birthstone, pre-1900, Polish: August

Wear a carnelian or for thee
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone,
‘Tis said, must live unloved and alone.

Wedding anniversary, alternate: 17th

Angel: Sachiel and Hamaliel
Apostle: Philip
Planet: Mars
Zodiac: Virgo

Success will bless whate’er you do,
Through Virgo’s sign, if only you
Place on your hand her own gem true—The Carnelian.

Countries: Norway and Sweden