Carnelian

This lovely red/orange crystal is a variety of Chalcedony which is given its distinctive colour by the iron oxide. An alternative spelling is sometimes used, Cornelian. It can be found in many places all over the world, but some of the finest is from India. The name may derive from the Latin 'cornum' meaning cherry, in reference to its colour. It has long been used in jewellery; civilisations including the Ancient Greeks, Romans Egyptians were setting it into rings and using it for engraved cabochons known as intaglios. The Egyptian Goddess Isis used Carnelian to protect their dead on their journey to the afterlife, and Western and Arabic history has associated Carnelian with kings, health and good luck.