Carnelian Round Cabochon

The dramatic, deep orange-red color of this round carnelian cabochon makes it a beautiful option for custom jewelry designs; the gemstone's relative hardness makes it a good substitute for other softer gems in pieces that will see wear, such as bracelets and rings. For an almost gothic look, match it with black onyx. Carnelian is a type of chalcedony with a semi-opaque to translucent reddish-orange color. Its color comes from its iron oxide content and gemstones may present a uniform color or be faintly banded. Its name comes from the Latin "cornum," meaning cherry, due to the resemblance of its color to that fruit; carnelian is reputed in folklore to engender eloquence in its wearers.