Definition

1. Noun:
   • A translucent red or orange variety of chalcedony: Carnelian is a type of semi-precious gemstone, a variety of the mineral chalcedony, characterized by its reddish to orange-brown color and its ability to let some light pass through.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient seal was carved from a beautiful piece of carnelian.
  • Her necklace featured beads made of carnelian and lapis lazuli.
  • The deep orange color of the carnelian was highly prized in antiquity.

Advanced Usage

• In historical and archaeological contexts: Carnelian is often mentioned in descriptions of ancient jewelry, seals, and amulets from civilizations like Egypt, Rome, and Mesopotamia.
  • Archaeologists found a carnelian scarab in the tomb.

Variants and Related Words

• Cornelian: An alternative spelling for the same gemstone.
  • The ring was set with a polished cornelian.

Synonyms

• Sard: A very similar, darker brownish-red variety of chalcedony. While closely related, sard is generally considered a slightly different variety.
  • The distinction between carnelian and sard is based on the shade of red.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(This word is a specific noun for a mineral and does not commonly form phrasal verbs or idioms.)

Noun

1. a translucent red or orange variety of chalcedony