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.

Quartz Family: Amethyst Citrine Ametrine Rutilated Quartz Smokey Quartz Rose Quartz Dendritic Quartz Tourmalinated Quartz Phantom Quartz

Microcrystalline Quartz: Agate Chrysoprase Jasper Carnelian Bloodstone Onyx

Carnelian intaglio Ptolemaic queen, carved 1st Century BC and set in a granulated archaelogical revival mounting circa 1724. Photo courtesy of Marie-Lan Nguyen.