The ancient Egyptians described it as a "sunset enclosed in stone"

Carnelian is a member of the quartz family; it is an orange-red variety of Chalcedony.  Also called cornelian, it is translucent and owes its red to reddish brown color to dispersed iron oxide.  Most Carnelians is heat treated today to enhance the reddish brown color. The word carnelian is derived from the Latin word caro, carnis meaning flesh, in reference to the flesh color sometimes exhibited.  The colors range from orange-yellow to reddish-brown; however the most favorable pieces are a deep red to red-orange hue.

Carnelian is found around the world but mainly in Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, India, Russia, parts of Africa and the United States in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Idaho.

Carnelian has a long and storied past, people holding high social statuses were often buried with this gem stone. In Ancient Egypt, carnelian was believed to work against anger, envy and hatred. It was a favorite gemstone among ancient Egyptian royalty.  Folklore states that carnelian is a stone of ambition and drive and is known as a Power Stone.  It is said to be an excellent career stone, being very helpful in making choices and decisions.  Carnelian is believed to be the most powerful ACTION stone for focusing, realization and self-actualization.  It reminds one to be "in the moment".