Whenever we’re walking in the hills, we tend to make very slow progress because we’re always stopping to admire the views, the plants, the wildlife – or, in my case, the rocks. Pretty much anything is of interest, although this one was a show-stopper. It was photographed on a steep hillside near Braemar.
I believe it is carnelian, which is formed when quartz has been infused with iron oxide, flushing the white crystal with yellow, orange and red.
Walters Art Museum
CARNELIAN JEWELLERY
The ancient Egyptians likened carnelian to the setting sun, and seal rings inset with carnelian intaglios were worn by the Pharaohs. This Egyptian ring is decorated with a tiny frog and dates from 1550-1292 BC.
Carnelian is beautiful when polished, and it was especially popular in the 19th century, when Queen Victoria started a fashion for ‘Scottish pebble’ jewellery. Silver brooches were set with agate, amethyst, smoky quartz (sometimes known as Cairngorm), onyx and carnelian.
PROPERTIES OF CARNELIAN
The word ‘carnelian’ comes from the Latin ‘carnem’ meaning ‘flesh’. It is one of the birthstones for July and for the star sign of Virgo.
Wearing carnelian can help to increase confidence, and to promote creativity and happiness. Carnelian pebbles placed near your front door are said to attract prosperity and abundance into your home.
Unluckily for me, this particular specimen was way too big to bring home, so it is still quietly attracting abundance somewhere on a windswept mountainside…
I usually carry a small bit that my son gave me in my pocket. We both love stones too and are forever collecting ‘treasures’. Hope rest of your walk was just as wonderful.
That’s good to know, Rachael! There’s always a piece of something in my pockets too! 🙂 Yes, we had a good walk – I remember it was rather steep though!
Our walks are always way longer than the guide books say too, because of all the stopping and admiring! We’ve learnt that if the book says ‘a leisurely three hours’ we should almost double it! Lovely colours in that stone!
Yes, we’re pretty much the same! 🙂 I know, aren’t the colours lovely?! There were some amazing twisted rocks on that hillside, too. At times like that I wish I understood more about geology!
It’s such an enjoyable pastime, Dave! I think a caterpillar would probably make more progress on some of our walks. I just wish I knew more about different rocks and minerals (I have books, but they don’t always help!)
Whenever we’re walking in the hills, we tend to make very slow progress because we’re always stopping to admire the views, the plants, the wildlife – or, in my case, the rocks. Pretty much anything is of interest, although this one was a show-stopper. It was photographed on a steep hillside near Braemar.PROPERTIES OF CARNELIAN
Photos copyright © Jo Woolf
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Rachael Hale aka 'The History Magpie'
I usually carry a small bit that my son gave me in my pocket. We both love stones too and are forever collecting ‘treasures’. Hope rest of your walk was just as wonderful.
Jo Woolf
That’s good to know, Rachael! There’s always a piece of something in my pockets too! 🙂 Yes, we had a good walk – I remember it was rather steep though!
justbod
Our walks are always way longer than the guide books say too, because of all the stopping and admiring! We’ve learnt that if the book says ‘a leisurely three hours’ we should almost double it! Lovely colours in that stone!
Jo Woolf
Yes, we’re pretty much the same! 🙂 I know, aren’t the colours lovely?! There were some amazing twisted rocks on that hillside, too. At times like that I wish I understood more about geology!
dave
Just beautiful, Jo. I’d love to go walking your hills looking for rocks with you.
Jo Woolf
It’s such an enjoyable pastime, Dave! I think a caterpillar would probably make more progress on some of our walks. I just wish I knew more about different rocks and minerals (I have books, but they don’t always help!)
Carmen Mandel
A beautiful find and so pretty with the flowers around.
Jo Woolf
Very true, Carmen! A beautiful natural setting.
diaspora52
A fascinating story! I have learned so much!
Jo Woolf
Thank you, Jeanette! I love finding things like this. 🙂 One of the many reasons why our walks are on the slow side!