Cornelian

Carnelian is a warm-toned variety of quartz, ranging from translucent orange to deeper reddish-brown hues. Its colour comes from traces of iron within the mineral, giving the stone its gentle, almost velvety glow. Found since antiquity in regions such as India, Brazil and the Arabian Peninsula, carnelian was widely used for seals, talismans and jewellery. Its durability and fine grain made it a favourite material for intaglio engraving in Greek and Roman cultures. Across different traditions, the stone has been associated with vitality, courage and inner grounding. Its natural warmth and lively reflections contribute to this sense of energy and presence. Today, carnelian continues to attract designers who value its sunlit colour and smooth, expressive character — a gemstone with both depth and radiance.