Color:
Reddish, Orangish Brown, Yellowish orange, Orangey Red,
Brownish Red
Clarity:
Semi-transparent
to translucent
Optic Character: AGG
Cause
of Color: Fe
Fluorescence: Inert
Fracture
:
Concoidal, sometimes granular
Luster
:
Vitreous
to greasy
Cleavage : None
Durability:
Good
Characteristics
for Identification:
AGG,
SG, fracture luster
Locality:
Found around the world
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Carnelian
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Carnelian is a microcrystalline variety of translucent quartz,
colored with iron oxides to produce a reddish tone. The
ancient Egyptians believed that through the magic of Isis,
carnelian would insure resurrection of the mummy. Moslems
placed an engraved carnelian in the mouth of male corpses
which would lead them to paradise. Carnelian (named after
the Latin "carne" for flesh) has long been associated with
appreciating the virtues and pleasures of being alive.
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