Carnelian, sometimes spelled cornelian, is a naturally occuring translucent orange to red variety of chalcedony. The red tint is caused by iron oxide trace elements. Carnelian was used widely during Roman times 2,000 years before the present era to make signet or seal rings for imprinting a seal with wax on correspondence or other important documents. Hot wax does not stick to Carnelian.
Carnelian is mined in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay. The word carnelian is derived from the Latin word caro, carnis meaning flesh, in reference to the flesh color sometimes exhibited.
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