A variant spelling of carnelian, a reddish-brown to deep red variety of chalcedony (a type of quartz mineral), valued as a semi-precious gemstone.
From French 'cornaline' or Italian 'cornelina,' derived from Latin 'cornum' (cornelian cherry) or 'caro' (flesh), referencing the stone's flesh-like color. The spelling evolved across multiple European languages.
Carnelian was so valued in ancient Egypt that they carved it into scarabs and amulets—and it's still used in Middle Eastern signet rings because it doesn't stick to wax!
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