Carnelian is one of those crystals that is as versatile as it is beautiful. Whether you’re looking for a boost of confidence or some creativity, then this is the stone to reach for.
It is a popular semi-precious gemstone that is one of the most popular agates for tumbling. It can be cut into beads, cabochons, and even sometimes carvings.
Thanks to its hardness and toughness, carnelian can be used in most types of jewelry. Its bright orange color makes it a desirable and popular gemstone that is inexpensive.
On the other hand, the ruby is probably one of the most iconic gemstones out there with its name being linked with its distinctive color. It belongs to the Corundum family of gemstones which includes Sapphire.
With this in mind, if you’re looking to learn everything about the carnelian and ruby gemstones, then you’ve come to the right place.
Mining of the gemstone can be traced back over 2,500 years – this shows the stone’s incredible history.
What Is A Ruby Stone?
Rubies are a variety of rare minerals known as corundum. The only other type of corundum is sapphire. Rubies and sapphires are abundant and ample, that said they are popular for being a durable mineral and rare.
One of the most impressive factors of the ruby is that it belongs to the elite cardinal gem family. This consists of five precious gemstones, including emeralds, diamonds, amethysts, sapphires, and, of course, rubies.
Thanks to their stunning red hues, rubies make for the perfect Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts. Popular gift choices include earrings and necklaces.
That said, rubies are just as fascinating in their raw gem form, too. Below, we have a look at the essential ruby specifications.
Ruby Characteristics And Specifications
Since the ruby is a corundum gem, it is made from aluminum oxide. This makes it an extremely powerful gem. In fact, it tops the Mohs minerals scale at an impressive 9.
This makes the gemstone stronger than both Masonry and emerald drill bits. The jewels are both durable and dazzling, with diamonds being their closest competitor in hardness.
Crystal structure: trigonal
Color: red, purplish red, orange-red, pinkish-red
Luster: vitreous, subadamantine
Refractive index: 1.757-1.779
Transparency: transparent to translucent
Cleavage: none
This all comes together to make the ruby an excellent choice for your jewelry.
Ruby Uses
You can carry or wear Ruby to help overcome lethargy and exhaustion. It amplifies energy and vitality, as well as stimulates circulation over the entire body.
That said, those who are easily irritated or highly sensitive may find the stone uncomfortable or over-stimulating to wear.
For some individuals, it is known to calm hyperactivity.
What Is Carnelian?
Carnelian is categorized as a brownish-red mineral that is generally used as a semi-precious gemstone. In addition, it is an orange-red type of chalcedony – a cryptocrystalline quartz mineral.
This means that it belongs to the chalcedony family.
The variety of quartz itself is translucent to opaque and features an orange, red, pink, and red color. This color can range from an intense almost-black coloration to a pale orange – depending on the composition of minerals.
It can be used for healing purposes and jewelry.
Carnelian Benefits And Healing Properties
Carnelian is an extremely powerful stone when it comes to healing. The stone itself is known as a “bloodstone”.
Its red color is thanks to its very high iron content. Below, we have outlined some of the powers and healing properties of Carnelian, these include:
Combat fatigue – Carnelian can be used to help release stress and health the body and mind.
Promotes vitality and health – It encourages well-being and enhances the flow of life across the entire body.
Strengthens the immune system – Carnelian can be effectively used in treating diseases in the blood and various infections.
Healing of the heart chakra – The stone helps to purify the heart, blood, liver, and lungs.
Lowers blood pressure – Carnelian can help to cleanse the circulatory system and the blood, as well as balance blood pressure.
Promotes fertility – Carnelian is known for being effective in strengthening the reproductive system by helping those trying to conceive.
Stabilizes blood sugar levels – Carnelian can be used to protect the body from a range of toxins and infections.
What Is Carnelian Good For?
Carnelian is said to help those fearful speakers become eloquent and bold. In fact, in ancient times, cornelian was worn around the necks of warriors for bravery and to enhance physical power during combat.
Additionally, during Ancient Egypt, master architects were said to wear them to show their ranks. In the Middle Ages, the stone was boiled by alchemists to activate other chalcedony energies.
In ancient times, the stone was used in the High Priest’s breastplate which was said to symbolize the blood of the martyrs and prevent plague and illness.
Carnelian Uses
There are various ways Carnelian can be used to improve and enhance your life.
Since Carnelian is known as the stone of motivation, it helps you make positive life choices and decisions – providing you with the willpower to create change and the stamina and strength to see it through.
The different ways you can use the stone include:
Keep it on your desk
Wear it
Use the stone while goal setting
Meditate with it
Place it in your home’s health area
Place it in your home’s fame area
Activate your manifestation journal
Activate your vision board
Create a crystal grid
Final Thoughts
Carnelian and Rubies are two very distinct gemstones. While you may already be familiar with the infamous ruby, you may not have heard of the carnelian before.
Both gemstones are beautiful and impressive in their own ways and, with the help of this guide, you’re sure to understand all the differences and similarities.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about the carnelian and ruby gemstones.
Hi, my name is Andrea Daehma and I have been collecting and using crystals in my everyday life for just over six years now.
I have my own collection of crystals gracing my house, several for every scenario I could think of.
Learning about crystals has truly changed my life, and I want to help others turn their life around too. Please enjoy my website and find your own small stone to begin your crystal journey with!
