Carnelian is a gorgeous, warm, semi-translucent orange gemstone. It is reasonably priced, can be drilled and shaped conveniently into beads. It also has a long history of use in ethnic and tribal jewelry. What more could a jewelry maker want?
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As you can see by the photo, carnelian is a gorgeous orange-red color. It is also semi-translucent. By that, I mean that it doesn’t completely block the effect of light rays, as would an opaque mineral like hematite or turquoise. This gives carnelian a luminous, shining quality. Compare carnelian to a similarly colored gemstone such as red jasper. You will find that the red jasper looks dark and solid compared to the backlit carnelian. Red jasper and other minerals that appear opaque definitely have their place in jewelry making, but I’ll admit a personal preference for the softer glow of the semi-translucent gems such as carnelian.
Carnelian has a long tradition of use in ethnic and tribal jewelry. It can be carved on its surface like a cameo, and I’ve seen it worked into Egyptian-themed jewelry with scarab beetles carved on its surface. I have also seen it strung on black silk cords for a Chinese-themed look. Carnelian, with its warm orange glow, has an esoteric symbolism for those who study New Age principles and energy work. It is supposed to correspond with the second chakra, which is the source of sexual and creative energy and which is supposed to be orange in color. [1] Many mystics will wear carnelian jewelry to balance the energy of their second chakras.
To incorporate carnelian into your jewelry work, pair it with similar gemstones of a warm, semi-translucent, glowing appearance such as pearls. It also pairs well with gold, and less well with the cool-appearing silver. Carnelian can look very striking when strung into necklaces with smaller, opaque beads of red jasper, coral, and bright blue turquoise. It also looks good with brass or gold charms.
References:
1. Color and Crystals, a Journey Through the Chakras by Joy Gardner-Gordon. The Crossing Press. 1988. ISBN 0895942585. Pages 69-70.
