Healing with Crystals: Carnelian

Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony, which is a variant of the mineral quartz, and is commonly used as a semi-precious stone. Most specimens of carnelian that are found on the market today are stained chalcedony. The crystal system for this mineral is tetrahedral, meaning that it is a three-dimensional figure with sides that are equal in measurement.

The word carnelian is derived from the Latin carne, meaning flesh. This is probably in reference to the fleshlike color that the stone sometimes displays. The color of carnelian ranges from red to reddish-brown, bright orange to reddish-orange, and sometimes to a deep transparent red. The shades of red are due to the iron content found in the stone. It is also commonly heat-treated to create its different shades of red. If left in the sunlight the brownish color of carnelian will turn to red as well.

Because carnelian is a variant of quartz it occurs worldwide but is usually found in areas where pressure zones are lower and also nearer to the surface of the earth. Some of the localities where carnelian can be found include Uruguay, Brazil, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and India. In America it can be found in the states of Colorado, Maryland, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina.

Carnelian was considered to be a sacred stone in Egypt during the reign of King Tutankhamen. Egyptians believed it to be a powerful stone in the afterlife and thus often used it in their tombs. They believed that by placing an amulet of carnelian upon the body of the deceased that the Goddess Isis would protect the dead from harm while they moved through the afterlife. It was thought that the stone would aid the soul's journey into the next world. Along with turquoise and lapis lazuli, it was one of the three most favored stones used in the making of jewelry in ancient Egypt.

Muslims also revered this mineral as sacred and believed that by engraving the name of Allah on a stone of carnelian then wearing that stone near the heart, would promise them all of their worldly desires. In the Middle East carnelian was often known as the "Mecca Stone."

Metaphysical Properties of Carnelian

-Known as the stone of "great spirituality" it promotes the connection of the physical body with the higher self.

-Useful in energy work on the first four chakras which include the base or root, the sacral, the solar plexus, and the heart chakra, respectively.

-Helps improve self-esteem and provides one with a confident view of the physical self.

-Shelters one from fear, hatred, and rage; helps to expel feelings of sorrow.

-Stimulates ones natural talents and abilities.

-Pink Carnelian is said to encourage the love between parents and their children.

-Effective in expanding one's inventiveness and resourcefulness.

-Has the power to bring about dreams that will provide answers to questions that one has been struggling with.

-Increases personal power and self-confidence while instilling a sense of clarity.

-Valuable in protecting one from telepathic attacks and the hatred of jealous or envious people.

-Opens the heart and allows joy and compassion to come in.

-Useful in cleansing collected negative energy in other crystals.

Healing Properties of Carnelian

-Used to treat disorders of the spleen, kidneys, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder; also plays a vital role in preserving the health of the lower abdomen.

-Has an ability to aid one in sleep by relieving stress, depression, and anxiety.

-Alleviates the pain associated with gallstones and kidney stones.

-Beneficial in the treatment of neuralgia, rheumatism, and asthma.

-As an elixir it can be applied topically to cuts and abrasions to help quicken the healing process.

-Helpful in treating disorders of the reproductive system such as infertility, impotence, and menstrual cramps and the discomfort associated with these ailments.

-Has been suggested for use in the treatment of skin disorders in pets.

The astrological signs for carnelian are the sun signs of Taurus, Cancer, and Leo. It vibrates to the numbers five and six.