cornelian
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What is cornelian? Cornelian is an alternate spelling of what’s more commonly called carnelian, 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. It is considered a semiprecious gemstone, which is a label applied to gemstones that have a lesser value than those deemed precious. However, it is not commonly seen in fine jewelry and can be quite inexpensive. It 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. It 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 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 cornelian.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pink mother-of-pearl earrings, ocean-hued amazonite bracelets and flame-tinged cornelian rings are all in full bloom in this versatile collection.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2025
In these, and in almost all Greek gems belonging to this period of excellence, the material is of indifferent quality, consisting of agate, chalcedony or cornelian, just as in the older specimens.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5 "Gassendi, Pierre" to "Geocentric" by Various
Lillie, especially, was enchanted with two rings she received; a pretty gold ring, and one of red cornelian.
From Baby Nightcaps by Aunt Fanny
I laugh, an’ say to the bonny bairn, that it will stan’ in place o’ a coral or cornelian necklace to her.—Ha! ha!
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume VI by Alexander Leighton
If the materials had been agate or cornelian, or the most infusible substances known on the earth, they would have been fused and driven into vapour by the intensity of the sun's rays.
From The Story of the Heavens by Sir Robert S. (Robert Stawell) Ball
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