Carnelian is a form of chalcedony quartz and ranges in color from orange to reddish-brown. Most Carnelian today is heat treated to enhance a similar shade of reddish brown color. Natural Carnelian is not heat treated and there are color variations within each bead ranging from white to orange to dark brown. It is mined in Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, South Africa and the US. It has been used for centuries to carve cameos.

Carnelian is the Zodiac birthstone for Leo and Virgo. Folklore suggests that Carnelian was used to protect the traveler after death and guard against evil. It was worn to enhance passion and desire and was thought to purify the blood and treat infertility, menstrual cramps and back pain.