carnelian

American  

[kahr-neel-yuhn] / kɑrˈnil jən /

noun

1. a red or reddish variety of chalcedony, used in jewelry.

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carnelian British  

/ kɑːˈniːljən /

noun

1. a red or reddish-yellow translucent variety of chalcedony, used as a gemstone

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Usage

What is carnelian? Carnelian is a reddish gemstone. It is a variety of chalcedony, a type of quartz. It varies from semi-opaque to translucent, and it can be various shades of red or amber. When it is variegated or banded (meaning the stone shows stripes of white), it is sometimes called agate. Carnelian is sometimes spelled cornelian (its original spelling), though this is now much less common. Carnelian is considered a semiprecious gemstone, which is a label applied to gemstones that have a lesser value than those deemed precious. However, carnelian is not commonly seen in fine jewelry and can be quite inexpensive. Carnelian is typically formed into a shape known as a cabochon, which is polished but not cut into facets. These are often used as beads in necklaces and bracelets. Carnelian is one of the traditional birthstones for the month of August (though in the UK it is considered one of the birthstones for the month of July). The word carnelian can also refer to a color—a shade of dark reddish-brown, like that of the gemstone. Example: The ancient pendant was made from a striking piece of banded carnelian.

Etymology

Origin of carnelian

1685–95; variant (with a of carnation ) of cornelian, Middle English cornel ( ine ) (< Middle French, probably equivalent to Old French cornele cornel cherry + -ine -ine ¹ ) + -ian

Example Sentences

There seemed to be innumerable books, most of them with some kind of fantastical setting, often featuring heroes with names that appeared to echo Cornelius – Jherek Carnelian, Erekose, Elric, Corum.

From The Guardian • Feb. 4, 2011

After experimenting with 140 varieties of grape, he has planted 15 acres in Carnelian, a cross between Cabernet, Grenache and Carignane.

From Time Magazine Archive

Carnelian supposedly increases fertility and promotes inner strength.

From Time Magazine Archive

The first road through the town was from Dakota village via Carnelian lake and Marine to St. Croix Falls.

From Fifty Years In The Northwest With An Introduction And Appendix Containing Reminiscences, Incidents And Notes by Folsom, William Henry Carman

The proposed link of the Lincoln Highway around the north shore of the Lake will put Carnelian Bay directly on the great international auto road.

From The Lake of the Sky Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California and Nevada, its History, Indians, Discovery by Frémont, Legendary Lore, Various Namings, Physical Characteristics, Glacial Phenomena, Geology, Single Outlet, Automobile Routes, Historic Towns, Early Mining Excitements, Steamer Ride, Mineral Springs, Mountain and Lake Resorts, Trail and Camping Out Trips, Summer Residences, Fishing, Hunting, Flowers, Birds, Animals, Trees, and Chaparral, with a Full Account of the Tahoe National Forest, the Public Use of the Water of Lake Tahoe and Much Other Interesting Matter by James, George Wharton