Carnelian

Carnelian: (also called "Cornelian") is a translucent, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral Chalcedony Quartz that owes its red to reddish brown color to dispersed hematite (iron oxide). It is a close relative of Sard, differing only in the shade of red and has a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale. Carnelian is also referred to by other trade names like, Red Chalcedony and Red Agate. Carnelian is mined in Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, India, U.S., Russia and parts of Africa. Carnelian is the zodiac birthstone of Virgo (Aug. 22 to Sept. 22). Hindu astrologers name it as a secondary stone for Aries (Mar. 21 to April 20) and Scorpio (Oct. 24 to Nov. 22). Carnelian is associated with Thursday and Friday. The Arabs associated it with the month of July. It is referred to as a "sun stone" and thought to symbolize the element of fire. Carnelian is also considered to be a stone of great spirituality. In addition, it is believed by some to be a medicinal gem with a wondrous capacity for bestowing mental and physical healing properties.