Carnelian

Carnelian is a vibrant, translucent to opaque variety of chalcedony, a mineral in the quartz family, most commonly recognized for its rich orange to reddish-brown hues. Its color comes from traces of iron oxide, and it can vary from pale orange to deep, almost brick red, depending on the concentration and treatment. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, Carnelian is durable enough for use in jewelry, carvings, and decorative objects, while still being easy to shape and polish.

Historically, Carnelian has been highly prized across many ancient cultures. It was used by the Ancient Egyptians in jewelry and burial items, believed to offer protection in the afterlife, and by the Romans for carved intaglios and signet rings. Today, major sources of Carnelian include India, Brazil, Uruguay, and parts of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.