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Carnelian is one of the oldest minerals that has been used as a gemstone. The brownish red to orange / red color exhibited by Carnelian is due to trace amounts of iron during its formation. Carnelian is a chalcedony ( cryptocrystalline quartz), similarly to agate with a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the mohs scale. However, Carnelian doesn't show the same type of banding as agate and the color is softer in appearance.
Metaphysically, Carnelian is associated with, confidence, self esteem, courage, creativity and a wide assortment of other healing properties.
