Carnelian is a vibrant and captivating gemstone renowned for its warm reddish-orange hues. It belongs to the chalcedony family, which is a type of quartz mineral. The name “carnelian” is derived from the Latin word “carneus,” meaning “flesh,” owing to its resemblance to the colour of fresh meat.

The stone’s fiery colour is a result of iron oxide impurities, which give carnelian its distinctive appearance. Its shades can range from pale orange to deep red, with some stones displaying intriguing patterns and banding. Carnelian is typically translucent to opaque, and it has a smooth and waxy texture when polished.