◦ carnelian display piece
◦ Size: M
◦ Approx. size 3.5" x 1.5"
◦ Weight: approx. 475g or 1.04 lb
◦ Origin: Madagascar
 
 
~Carnelian~
A red variety of chalcedony, much used as an ornamental stone, especially for seals. The old name was cornelian, said to have been given in reference either to the horny appearance of the stone (Lat. cornu, “horn”) or to its resemblance in color to the berry of the cornel; but the original word was corrupted to carneliun, probably in allusion to its reddish color (carneus, “flesh-colored”). Some carnelian, however, is brown, yellow or even white. Certain kinds of brown and bright red chalcedony, much resembling carnelian, pass under the name of sard (q.v.). All carnelian is translucent and is thus distinguished from jasper of similar color, which is always opaque. The Sardine stone of the bible (Revelation 4:3, RSV, "sardius;" Heb. 'odhem’; LXX., Gr. sardion, from a root meaning "red"), a gem of a blood-red color. It was called "sardius" because obtained from Sardis in Lydia. It is enumerated among the precious stones in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17 ; 39:10). It is our red carnelian.
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