Carnelian
星期五, 03月 7th, 2008Carnelian
a translucent, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral chalcedony that owes its red to reddish brown colour to colloidally dispersed hematite
(iron oxide). It is a close relative of sard, differing only in the shade of red. Carnelian was highly valued and used in rings and signets
by the Greeks and Romans, some of whose intaglios have retained their high polish better …
Synonyms: 紅瑪瑙 Cornelian Corneol Mecca Stone Touchonite
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French names: Cornaline
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German names: Carneol Karneol
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carnelian or cornelian , variety of red chalcedony , used as a gem. It is distinguished from sard by the shade of red, carnelian being bright
red and sard brownish. The red coloring is apparently caused by iron oxide.
Carnelian is a very attractive and richly hued brownish-red variety of chalcedony.
Much of the carnelian used today comes from Campo de Maia on the continent of South America, where a sizeable quantity has had the colour improved
by staining with ferrous nitrate. Carnelian is also produced in Warwick, Queensland, Australia. However, Ratnapura in India produces the best quality
material.
Carnelian has been known since antiquity. It is said to take its name from the Kornel cherry, which has the same rich coloring. In the 1660s,
Dr Johann Schroeder gave another interesting origin. He writes: “It is a half transparent, like the water wherein flesh is washed, of like bloody flesh.
Hence it is called ‘Carneolus’ or ‘Carnelian’.”
Carnelian is mentioned in Exodus as one of the gems set into the breastplate of the High Priest and as a foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.