CARNELIAN

Chakra-Root (1st) and Sexual/Creative (2nd) and Solar Plexus (3rd);  Hardness: 7; Element- Fire

There is some dispute as to whether the name Carnelian is derived from a Latin word meaning "flesh", or a Latin word meaning "cherry"....but in either case, they reference the that the stone exhibits.

Ancient Egyptians carried it on and about their bodies as a source of constant renewal and vitality.  It was also told in the Egyptian Book of the Dead to be placed in tombs as "magic armor" for life after death.  The chalcedony comes in a variety of shades and hues, each one as beautiful as the other. It is thought to still the blood and calm the temper. It's various shades of red are due to the presence of iron oxide. Stones may be uniformly colored or faintly banded.  The best Carnelian is from India, where it is placed in the sun to change from brown to tints to red.  Most carnelian on the market is stained chalcedony from Brazil or Uruguay.

Carnelian aids in understanding the inner self and strengthens concentration.  It helps one to overcome the ear of public speaking, increases the self worth, and is a fast acting stone to succeed in one's career. Carnelian balances creative and organization abilities, opens doors and creates a need to follow through on plans.  Wear this stone to prevent other people from reading your thoughts or from dark forces attempting to influence your mind.

There are quite many ancient beliefs associated with Carnelian, which centered around protection during travels after death and against evil.

Healing

Carnelian applied physically, can promote balanced digestion. For lower abdominal pain, especially in woman and in pregnancy, this stone placed on the pubic bone each day for twenty minutes will reduce the pain.

Carnelian encourages the formation of new blood cells, and bleeding will respond favorably to treatment with this stone. Physically, Carnelian has been used to encourage healing of open sores, rheumatism, kidney stones and other kidney problems.  It is said that this stone will help cleanse and purify the blood, thus giving more physical energy.  It must be cleansed once a month under warm running water and recharged for quite a long period in the sun.  Wear it so it is in direct contact with the skin. Carnelian water is created by leaving the stone in the vessel of water overnight.

Zodiac
Associations: Sun Ancient Birthstone in many cultures, mainly for the Month of August.

Stone of Taurus, but it also promotes zest for life in those whom are born under the signs Aries, Gemini and Virgo.