SERDOLIK (CARNELIAN)

Description:

Carnelian is a form of Quartz (Silicon Dioxide-SiO2), the most common form of rock in the Earth’s crust. Specifically, geologists classify Carnelian as a chalcedony, a member of the micro-crystalline group within the Quartz. It ranges in color from a clear orange red to a dark orange brown and has been known throughout history as Sadoine, Mecca Stone and Pigeon’s Blood Agate. The name Carnelian, which is derived from Carne, Latin for flesh, may be related to its color, which is similar the color of flesh. The Russian name serdolik originates from the Old Russian "looks like heart".

This mineral forms in sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous rock, just like the other varieties of chalcedony. As generally assumed, the mineral acquires its rich colour only near the surface after the surrounding volcanic rock has been destroyed, due to exposure to sunshine and/or heat. The red color of typical carnelian is due to the presence of ferric oxide. All carnelian is translucent and is thus distinguished from jasper of similar color, which is always opaque.

Because Quartz is the most common crystal on Earth, deposits of carnelian are found throughout the world. It is the national gemstone for Norway and Sweden. The most famous sites are in India, Brazil, Uruguay and Japan. The deposits are usually found in the lower temperature and lower pressure zones near the Earth’s surface. In Russia, the richest occurrences of carnelian/serdolik are found in the basin of river Zeya (Amur region), in Sakha Republic and in Buryatia.

Carnelian has long been present in world history, as well as in the beliefs and customs of ancient civilizations. From Europe, to Asia, to the Middle East, archaeologists have found examples of carnelian use. Some of the oldest examples of human jewelry contained carnelian. Ancient Egyptian tombs are full of examples of carnelian jewels, because of their belief in the stone’s power in the afterlife. It was also popular in Ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, in the Middle East and in Ancient Russia, both in jewelry and as an ornamental stone.

Characteristics:

Chemistry: SiO₂ (Silicon dioxide) with ferrous impurities

Hardness (Mohs scale): 6.5 – 7

Density: 2.65

Refractive index: app.1.537

Dispersion: none

Crystal system: tetrahedral

Fracture: conchoidal

Transparency: translucent

Luster: vitreous