Carnelian crystals are bright, sunny stones with much to offer those lacking energy. The sunset stone is a famous variety of chalcedony with a unique fiery pattern.
Passion and courage are two bricks that build the foundation of carnelian power. It is not a relaxing stone that helps you find external peace but one that helps you find internal peace by showing you your worth.
To use the powers of carnelian crystals, you must be open to stepping out on the edge and being an expressionist. Self-expression is key to finding out who you are, and that is one of carnelian’s greatest concerns.
What is Carnelian?
Carnelian is a type of chalcedony that ranges in color from orange to brown, though typically a mixture of something in between. Chalcedony is a microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz.
This means that it is a quartz that has crystals so small it isn’t possible to see them with magnification. The tiny crystals make the carnelian appear quite smooth even though there are many modules on the gem.
The carnelian variety of chalcedony has reviving, motivating, and enduring power. It is one of the most courageous and encouraging of all chalcedony.
History of Carnelian Crystals
Humans have used Carnelian since the Stone Age. The Mesopotamians, Romans, and Greeks were particular fans of the sunset crystal.
At the time, it was known as the Sunset Stone due to its coloring and pattern. The gem was a popular symbol of fertility, passion, and strength.
Ancient Egyptians linked it to the power of Isis, granting women a balance of energy. Males wore carnelian jewelry to grant them courage in battle.
Later on, it was a symbol of longevity and status that was popular among alchemists. Today, it is a healing stone, though the benefits throughout history still apply.
How is Carnelian Formed?
Carnelian formation occurs like other similar stones. It is a geological process that mixes layers of minerals over a long period of time while the minerals are still hot enough to be moldable.
The formation of carnelian requires silica and quartz. What adds to carnelian’s properties and color is the presence of morganite. These are impurities in the chalcedony, an ironic blessing that grants the sunset stone unique powers.
Types of Carnelian Crystals
Because carnelian is a type of chalcedony, there isn’t a large variety of the sunset stone. Almost all real carnelian is reddish brown, though it ranges from dark yellow and orange to deep brown. Others are likely a different form of chalcedony, like jasper, aventurine, or agate.
Properties of Carnelian
- Passion
- Energy
- Confidence
- Creativity
Properties Table Like This One
| Classification | Chalcedony |
| Formula | SiO2 |
| Color | Red, orange, and brown |
| Luster | Range of waxy to vitreous |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5-7 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.59-2.61 |
| Refractive Index | 1.530-1.539 |
| 2V angle | ~85° |
| Birefringence | 0.008-0.009 |
Healing Properties of Carnelian Crystals
- Increase energy – no matter the type, carnelian helps boost energy to get things done.
- Improve blood flow – an improvement in blood flow is good for your organs, blood pressure, and natural flush.
- Connection to lower chakras – the grounding and passionate power of the stone helps you keep balance.
- Awaken the spirit – a deep power of carnelian is one you won’t find right away, but it has the ability to awaken a new part of you deep inside.
Benefits of Carnelian Crystals in Your Life
Physical
The physical benefits of the orange-red symbol are an improvement in blood flow and energy. The combo stimulates organs and boosts libido.
Any type of energy has the possibility to improve with carnelian. So whether you want to spice up your love life or to excel at work, the gem is here to help.
Emotional
Carnelian is an emotional stone that helps you express yourself. Though there is a risk of overexpression, it is unlikely because carnelian keeps you grounded too. If you feel emotionally oppressed, the sunset gem is here to help you open up in a healthy way.
Spiritual
The sunset crystal links to lower chakras, helping you keep your feet on the ground without risking passion. Being able to stay grounded while pursuing what makes you happy is a great gift the crystal offers. There is no risk of your head being in the clouds, keeping you secure as you make a difference in the world.
Ways to Use Carnelian Crystals
Self-Love
Self-love is a powerful practice that carnelian helps with. Whether taking a bath, making a home-cooked meal, or taking part in a favorite hobby, the crystal does wonders for confidence.
Love with Partner
Carnelian is one of the number one stones for intimacy. Things may get intense with the use of the stone, so only use it with partners you trust.
Office Power
If you feel out of sorts at work, carnelian may help. The creativity that the sunset stone offers makes working easier and more productive. It also gives a greater chance at promotion due to the work you put in and a positive energy boost.
Energy to Exercise
The sunset gem is an ideal conduit for productive energy. Exercise is beneficial to almost every area of life, but the energy to exercise is difficult to find. That’s where carnelian comes in to give that extra boost and get things going.
Follow Your Passions
If you feel your creativity and drive to do what makes you happy is oppressed, carnelian may help. Everyone has passions in life that are guides pushing them to do what they’re meant to do. The sunset crystal amplifies that to help you make the most of your gifts.
Carnelian Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
Carnelian is a birthstone for the Virgo zodiac sign. Those born in late August and throughout September find strength in the stone that shares their passion.
Though Virgo is the primary owner of the red gem, July often claims to feel its power. The reason is due to July’s connection to ruby.
How to Care for Carnelian Crystals
To care for the sunstone, keep it clean and charged. It is an easy stone to care for with few weaknesses and a strong body.
How to Clean Carnelian
Clean your carnelian by wiping it down with warm water. Add soap if necessary to get rid of grime. Otherwise, water does the job.
How to Charge Carnelian
Carnelian can go in the sun and the moonlight. Most stones fade rapidly in the sunlight, but carnelian handles the sun much better. Though it should not be left in the sun every day, a full day of sun and a full night of moonlight is beneficial once a month.
Is Carnelian Expensive?
No, it is not expensive. The world is full of carnelian waiting to be mined, making the stone more sustainable than others. It’s one of the cheapest stones of its color, making it a go-to for people who want more passion and drive in their lives.
Where to Put Carnelian in Your Home
Carnelian is a particular gem, so it should not be set just anywhere. Place it on the south side of your home to invite positive energy and abundance.
The bedroom is a good place for the stone during the day and at night as things get steamy. Otherwise, the office or living room are the best rooms for this fiery gem.
Are Carnelian Good for Sleep?
Carnelian is not a good stone for sleep. It is a lively stone that helps keep passion in the bedroom, but it is not a good option if you want a restful night.
Consider placing it outside the bedroom if it’s time to go to sleep. A drawer in the hallway or a table in the living room are good storage options at night.
Bad Effects of Carnelian Crystals
- Emotional breakdowns
- Silicosis (if cutting it yourself)
- Disrupted sleep
- Impulsiveness
What Chakra Do Carnelian Crystals Help?
Carnelian is a special stone because it helps with multiple chakras. The solar plexus, sacral, and heart chakra benefit from the use of this crystal. The solar plexus chakra makes you more assertive, wise, and better at making decisions.
Heart chakra benefits from carnelian by making you more loving, open, and self-aware. The sacral chakra helps you be more passionate and emotionally stable. It also helps you have a healthy relationship with intimacy.
What Other Crystals Work Well With Carnelian?
Carnelian crystals work well with warm stones like ruby, rose quartz, and citrine. Though cool stones seem to balance carnelian’s fiery energy, they actually dampen it.
There are possible combos that offer harmony, but sometimes soft like-stones are more beneficial. The case for a slight tone-down brought on by other warm gems is ideal for carnelian.