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Carnelian

Reddish-brown variety of chalcedony.

Carnelian carnelian stone

A reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz. Carnelian is prized as a gemstone and ornamental material, often polished into beads, cabochons, or carvings. Its color ranges from pale orange to deep red and is due to the presence of iron oxide.

Pronunciation

kərˈniːliən

Etymology

Carnelian is derived from the Latin 'carnelianus,' meaning 'flesh-colored.'

Explain Like I’m 5

Carnelian is a reddish-brown gemstone, like a warm-colored agate, often used in jewelry and carvings.

Fun Facts

Carnelian was popular in ancient Egypt
It's a form of silica, like quartz and agate
The color comes from iron oxide

FAQ

What is carnelian? It's a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony
Where does it come from? Carnelian is found worldwide
What is it used for? It's often used in jewelry and carvings

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

chalcedony quartz

Indexes

gemstone mineral natural object

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