If you want a gentle crystal with healing properties that balance the sacral chakra, then Carnelian may be the gem you've been looking for. Its vibrant red-orange shade is hard to ignore. It seems to bleed love, joy and positive energy, fueling your life force from its very appearance.
If you aren't familiar with Carnelian crystals, prepare to be completely mesmerized by these fiery crystals.
What Is Carnelian?
Carnelian is a type of Agate, which in turn is a type of Chalcedony. This is only made more complicated by the fact that Chalcedony is actually a type of Quartz! But the important thing to remember is this: Carnelian is sometimes known as Carnelian Agate.
Is Carnelian the same as Red Agate?
Carnelian is similar to Red Agate, but there are a few key differences:
- The Carnelian color is usually more orange than red. Because of this, Orange Carnelian activates the sacral chakra, whereas Red Agate stimulates the root chakra. Some Carnelians can be red, but if that's the case, there are two more ways to distinguish these gems.
- Red Agate's pattern makes it easy to differentiate it from Carnelian. Red Agate exhibits bands that cut through the stone. Raw Carnelian has no such pattern and is usually pure orange.
- The Carnelian healing properties are different from those of Red Agate. Where Carnelian focuses on creativity, fiery passion and self-esteem, Red Agate is used more for courage, grounding and protection.
So, where does Carnelian come from?
The name Carnelian originates from the Latin word, "carneolus," meaning "flesh." The word "carnal" stems from the same root. Defined as relating to the body, bodily pleasure—especially sexually, or temporal in nature, it gives a whole new perspective on the Carnelian crystal meaning.
Where is Carnelian Found?
The Cancer birthstone Carnelian stone is fairly common. It occurs naturally in Botswana, Brazil, India, Japan, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States (in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas).
Note: you can learn more about Zodiac birthstones and Birthstones by month in our comprehensive guides.
What does Carnelian look like: Most Common Carnelian Colors
The Carnelian crystal can be found in more than just one color. Its tone ranges from a very pale orange to a deep reddish-brown hue. They are characterized by their glassy and translucent appearance, which is often best displayed in the form of a faceted cabochon.
How has the Carnelian crystal been used throughout history?
In ancient times, Assyrian warriors wore Orange Carnelian around their neck for courage, good luck, and to endow them with the physical strength to overcome the enemy. Byzantine soldiers had similar ideas.
It was an important gemstone in Ancient Egyptian culture where it was known as "the setting sun." Ancient Egyptians believed it represented the receptive female energies and the fertile menstrual blood of Isis, the Egyptian goddess of life. It was even included in King Tutankhamun's death mask, along with Amazonite, Quartz, Turquoise and other healing crystals.
Is Carnelian expensive?
Generally speaking, Carnelian crystal is thought to be the least expensive variety of Chalcedony. For what it's worth, it's also the most well-known. The more common a crystal is, the less it usually costs. The specific price of the stone will be determined by the intensity of its color, the country it was found in, and its carat weight. The average price for a small Carnelian crystals is around $3.
What Are The Healing Properties Of Carnelian Stone?
This beautiful and spirited old crystal is said to be a source of life itself, and it's often called the stone of motivation and endurance.
Crystal experts consider it an outstanding support crystal to stimulate creativity in architects and builders, and to give strength to construction workers. It boosts power and stamina in athletes and military personnel and grants motivation in salespersons.
If you have to perform or talk in front of a large group of people, Red Carnelian can instill in you the confidence to show your true self to the world. It encourages you to be creative in the way you communicate, getting your point across with memorable flair. For these reasons, this gemstone is excellent for journalists, musicians, and writers.
What does Carnelian do for the physical body?
Like Citrine and Calcite, the Carnelian gemstone is a fantastic holistic tool to promote overall well-being and boost your immune system. So what does Carnelian crystal do? During crystal healing therapy, it's used to ground the patient throughout the session. Healers believe the Carnelian crystal provides relief to those who struggle from degenerative bone conditions and ligament issues.
Practitioners of alternative medicine use Carnelian stones to stimulate a proper supply of blood to the organs and tissues, and often recommend it to improve circulation and boost physical vitality. Holding on to a Carnelian crystals is also said to regulate hormones and cleanse the kidneys.
Many metaphysical healers believe Carnelian can help heal imbalances related to your absorption of vitamins, nutrients and minerals in the small intestine. They also claim that its energy can be very soothing for menstrual and menopausal symptoms and may balance the reproductive organs of both sexes, especially when combined with Aventurine. In fact, in antiquity, it was used as a crystal to boost fertility and support healthy pregnancies.
Where do you put Carnelian on your body?
As the Carnelian is most beneficial to the lower chakras, it's best to wear this stone as a crystal bracelet. A Carnelian ring would work well too as these items of jewelry will be closest to the associated energy centers.
If you're feeling a little creative (maybe after spending some time with Carnelian!), then you could attach a Carnelian crystal or three to your belt. This will position it perfectly to stimulate the sacral and root chakras.
What are the Carnelian Agate emotional healing properties?
Similarly to Fire Agate, Carnelian is a stone that empowers you to take control of your life and motivates you to go after the things you want. It lends you the courage to overcome difficult situations and anchors you to the present moment.
If you know someone who is in a possessive or toxic relationship, consider giving them a Carnelian crystal. Just like Rose Quartz, its energy may provide them with the self-confidence and strength to move forward and help them understand that they deserve better. This beautiful crystal assists in banishing emotional negativity and replacing it with a renewed love for life. It can also teach you to accept the cycles of human existence.
Thanks to its special connection with the sacral chakra, Carnelian fills you with joy and encourages you to embrace sensuality and pleasure. This makes it a wonderful companion for those who grew up in environments where sex was taboo or something to feel ashamed of. It enhances your sexual energy, boosting libido and banishing negative energy in the bedroom.
This crystal's high-vibration is excellent for those who struggle with apathy, as it stimulates creativity and may drive them to pursue new things and lead them to make positive life choices. The presence of Carnelian stone can help you trust yourself, your perceptions, and your decisions. It teaches you to overcome negative conditioning and protects against frustration, resentment, and anger, either your own or that of others.
Its protective energy is enhanced when combined with other energy-shielding stones.
Carnelian spiritual meaning: What are the Carnelian metaphysical properties?
Just like Labradorite and Amethyst, Carnelian crystal is a fantastic stone to accompany you during your meditation sessions. It helps to ground your energy and dispel thoughts while you try to reach deeper states during your practice.
If you're dealing with a lot of unexpressed emotions or repressed feelings, holding on to a piece of Red Carnelian may be useful. It encourages you to let go of things you've kept bottled up and embrace the change that usually ensues when you release what no longer makes you happy. In fact, if you feel like you've lost a bit of your appetite for life, Carnelian's frequency can awaken your ability to feel joy again by embedding you with renewed energy and removing negative energy.
In ancient times, as well as today, holding a piece of Carnelian is believed to help timid speakers become more eloquent and bold. This vibrant stone awakens hidden talents and empowers you to stop waiting for your dreams to simply appear. Instead, it provides you with the determination and perseverance to go out there and forge your own path. For these reasons, it's a perfect friend to overcome procrastination and fears, especially for those who are overly dependent on others.
Carnelians are ideal to hold when you want to feel your inner power. It connects you to your true self and helps you realize what you're capable of. To truly understand the Carnelian stone meaning, meditate with this stone and listen to its energy. Its healing power will make its presence known and you'll likely feel a surge of creativity, passion and sensual energy. That will help you comprehend its intense healing properties more than any second-hand experience could.
Carnelian's joyful vibration brings people together, making it a great stone to promote idealism and a sense of community. In the workplace, it wards off the pressure of co-workers and stimulates your drive and ambition. The Carnelian stone wants you to reach your goals. It could help you achieve that much-coveted position at work.
One of the great Carnelian properties is that it can be used to ward off negativity. Hold your Carnelian crystal tight to ward off danger, or combine it with other stones to get a wider range of protection.
What Chakra is Carnelian?
Depending on the hue of the stone, Carnelian can be considered a crystal for the sacral chakra or the root chakra. The reddish orange variety tends to tread the line between the two.
When you think about root chakra stones, the first thing to pop into your mind might be dark-colored crystals like Black Tourmaline or Black Obsidian. Black stones are indeed great at grounding energy and have phenomenal protective powers, but their vibe may be a bit too strong for those who are sensitive to the energies of healing crystals and their meaning.
The other color that stimulates the base chakra is red. Carnelians that are red fit into this category, just as Red Agate, Red Jasper and Garnet do. The red Carnelian stone benefits your sense of stability and security. It makes you feel safe and grounded, like nothing can harm your energy. It fills you with strength and confidence.
If you have the other form of Carnelian, an orange stone, then the sacral chakra is where it will direct its power. Wear a Carnelian bracelet to enhance your creative energies. It will inspire you to be more imaginative and innovative in both your work life and social life.
Like the base, this energy center inspires confidence, but in a different sort of way. It gives you the courage to be bold and brave—to go out into the world and get what you want. This is particularly true in regards to physical attraction and bubbling sexual energy. Carnelian stone is one of the best healing crystals for enhancing your sense of passion, not just in the bedroom, but in everything that you do. Ardor will radiate from you and be visible by all.
According to yogic tradition, the reddish Carnelian resonates with both the root and the sacral chakras at the same time, giving Carnelian stone meaning on a whole new level. It's the perfect tool to help you connect with your physical body and the Earth, as well as with your creative side and your sexuality.
Is Carnelian a birthstone?
The Carnelian is a traditional birthstone for those born in the month of August. Carnelian benefits Virgos, Tauruses and Leos a lot, but it's widely regarded as the best sign for Aires.
Aries is a fiery sign with the ruling planet, Mars. It's a common practice in crystal healing to associate crystals with planets, and in this case, Carnelians represent the red planet and bring with them all the passion, vigor and zeal that Mars is renowned for.
To sum up, what is Carnelian good for?
Carnelian gemstones are good for a lot of things, but fundamentally they are stones of passion, creativity and confidence. They stimulate sexual energy and are fantastic stones for arousal. They open, heal and activate the lower two chakras which can profoundly alter the way you sensually interact with the world. These crystals can also ground your energy and help you feel safe.
Does Carnelian Need To Be Cleansed?
Like all crystals, it's a good idea to cleanse your Carnelian stone. It doesn't require much, but if you're frequently using it for energy work, you'll want to make sure that it gets the chance to release the negative energy it's absorbed. Cleansing it also gives it some downtime to recharge.
How to cleanse Carnelian?
Generally, you can cleanse your crystals in a number of ways.
Smudging
Carnelian gemstones in particular are usually best cleansed through smudging. By burning a white sage smudge stick, you can energetically clear the crystals of all their toxins. This is also great to do around the home and can be incorporated into a routine so that you cleanse your Carnelian and your home at the same time.
Bury it
Another way to cleanse Carnelian is by burying it in the earth and leaving it overnight. As we've already discussed, the Carnelian is carnal by nature. It is an earthy crystal. By burying it, you give it chance to be surrounded by what it knows best. It will absorb the energy of the earth and reformat it into something beneficial for you.
Use other healing crystals
You can also use other cleansing crystals to restore your Carnelian properties to their full capacity. A Selenite lamp is great for cleansing other stones and will work to extract stagnant energy from your Carnelian crystals too.
Can Carnelian Go in Water?
Carnelian is a water-safe crystal. You can cleanse your Carnelians in a water bath for a few hours and there shouldn't be any problems. It's also okay to create Carnelian elixirs and drink from the same glass that a Carnelian crystal has been bathing in.
However, Carnelian should never be used in conjunction with salt water. Salt water can corrode the crystal. It gets into the small cracks and fissures and encourages them to expand. Over time this can cause the crystal to deteriorate.
How not to cleanse Carnelian?
Salt water
As mentioned above, salt water will slowly destroy your stone rather than replenish the Carnelian properties.
Sunlight
As the Carnelian stone is a vivid orange, sunlight is not the best way to cleanse it. Over time, the color will fade and the once vivid and vibrant Carnelian will have lost its typical luster.
Carnelian FAQs
How to charge Carnelian?
There are many ways to charge Carnelian. One way is to expose it to sunlight for a few hours. Another is to bury it in the ground overnight. You can also place it on a crystal quartz cluster or amethyst geode. Finally, you can rinse it in running water from a natural source such as a river or waterfall.
How to tell if Carnelian is fake?
If you're considering purchasing Carnelian, it's crucial to know if the stone is real or fake. Remember that Carnelian should be opaque; if it's transparent, it's not genuine. Also, Real carnelian will usually have some imperfections, such as cracks or inclusions. If the stone is perfect, it may be a fake.
How to activate Carnelian stone?
If you have a Carnelian stone, you can activate it by holding it in your hand and visualizing energy flowing into it. You can also try using crystal quartz to activate the carnelian. Simply hold the carnelian and quartz together and focus on the energy flow between them.
Can I wear a Carnelian bracelet while sleeping?
Yes, Carnelian bracelets are perfectly safe to wear while sleeping. In fact, many people believe that carnelian has protective and grounding properties, making it ideal for wearing during sleep.
Use Carnelian To Support Your Goals And Reach For The Stars
When you start building your energy healing kit, finding the right stones can take time and research. If you want a fiery stone that's going to breathe life into your collection, then Carnelian is a great addition. Carnelian meaning and uses, and its playful vibration helps to ground and boost your vitality while reigniting your creativity and passion for life.
It truly is a one-of-a-kind stone that combines the wisdom of an old-as-time crystal with the lightness and positivity of all orange gemstones.
