Carnelian…the Many Colored Robes of Quartz

In the first place, Carnelian is composed of  chalcedony a microcrystalline form of quartz, wherein the individual crystals are tiny—microcrystalline, they call it. Too small to see without a Petrographic Microscope.

Carnelian colors range from pinkish through blood-red to tan, all of which come from traces of iron oxides for the reds, and hydrous iron oxides for the tan colors—often called ‘sard’.

Carnelian is considered an agate—though not usually banded as most agates are. But its translucency keeps it in the agate family, rather than the opaque nature of jasper which is also composed of chalcedony.

Mined worldwide, Carnelian originates in volcanic rocks, in quartz-saturated fluids flow and fill fissures and holes left by exsolved gas bubbles. Because of its iron content, Carnelian tends to occur in the more iron-rich basaltic lavas.

This is all quite fascinating to geology folk such as I, but I reckon others are more interested in the historical love affair we humans have had with Carnelian since the morning of our history.

Stone of Kings, Artists, and Healers

The ancient Egyptians made beautiful use of Carnelian in jewelry.

Carnelian was associated with blood and often given as a remedy for blood diseases, or to invigorate the blood. Some associated Carnelian with strength, vigor and courage, no doubt again referring to its blood-like color.

To the masses, Carnelian was also associated with good luck — for is it not anything but luck that one’s blood is ‘royal’? And to be royal is to have enough food, and shelter, clothing. Are we not all royal? — all human blood is red.

All over the ancient world, Carnelian ruled. That certainly suggests  it was relatively common. As common as our blood.

 

Caption:Carnelian Bull seal AO7121-2,
3rd century CE, Sassanid Era
Photo by Rama.

 

References:
https://www.mindat.org/min-960.html
https://rocktumbler.com/blog/what-is-agate-jasper-chalcedony/
https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-legend-carnelian-gems-yore/
http://www.geo.utexas.edu/courses/347k/redesign/Gem_Notes/Quartz/quartz_triple.htm