References to Carnelian in Ancient and Modern Myths and Legends.
This site contains information on the Physical Properties and Chemical Composition of Minerals, gemstones, crystals, precious metals, and sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks for crystallography, geology, identification of minerals, Jewelry and mineralogy. This includes cleavage, description of crystal formations, crystal structure, hardness, specific gravity, Mohs’ Scale, crystal features and crystal habits for identification and classification purposes.
Carnelian is a form of Quartz (Silicon Dioxide-SiO2), the most common form of rock in the Earth’s crust. Specifically, geologists classify Carnelian as a Chalcedony, a member of the crypto-crystalline or micro-crystalline group within the Quartz. Crypto-crystalline crystals are too small to be seen, even with a microscope.
Physical
Properties
Carnelian ranges in color from a clear orange red to a dark orange
brown and has been known throughout history as Sadoine, Mecca Stone and
Pigeon’s Blood Agate. The name Carnelian, which is derived from Carne,
Latin for flesh, may be related to its color, which is similar the
color of flesh. It is translucent.
Chemical
Properties
Carnelian is composed of Silicon
Dioxide, Sio2, and gets its red color from Hematite (Iron Oxide-FeO2)
impurities.
Index of refraction: 1.55 - 1.54
Mohs' Scale Hardness: 6.5-7.0
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Crystal
System: Tetrahedral
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