Carnelian (nat.) Beads

Natural carnelian ranges in color from white to orange to dark brown. This stone is named natural carnelian to reflect its display of the natural range of carnelian color. These carnelian bead strands are some of our most popular because of their versatility and beauty.

If you're looking for carnelian with similar color variation and rich color, check out our Madagascar carnelian beads.

It is widely believed that the name Carnelian is derived from the Latin word "carne", which means “flesh”. Egyptian tombs are full of examples of carnelian jewels because the ancient Egyptians believed that carnelian amulets would ensure a safe passage into the afterlife. Carnelian was also highly valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it for signet rings.

Carnelian is variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline quartz). Its translucent, orangey-red coloration is primarily due to the presence of iron oxide (hematite).