Carnelian has a huge historical significance, it was used both practically and documented in well known religious texts. Though most minerals are ancient, few can boast the legacy that Carnelian claims with ease. Carnelian gemstones date back beyond 4500 years ago, being used in Ancient Egypt alongside Lapis Lazuli as ornamentation for powerful rulers and spiritual leaders respectively. The Ancient Greeks also favored Carnelian for a pragmatic use: being easy to carve made it the perfect option in signet rings. Singnet rings would often utilize this orange or brown stone, carved into an intricate negative design, so they left an impression on wax sealed letters. This particular factoid leads into a common part of the Carnelian symbolism- it leaves an impression upon us, like our energy itself is red hot wax. The legacy of this gemstone is larger than just Egypt and Greece, religious texts such as the Bible and Torah include Carnelian as well. It’s signified as one of the 12 gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate, in order it is the first stone in the first row: representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Some scholars have ventured to say this breastplate could be considered the birthplace of birthstones! Though Carnelian itself is not a birthstone, its sibling Sardonyx is an August birthstone which bears some resemblance. In much more recent history, Carnelian became a staple in Victorian Era jewelry. More refined carving styles became prevalent in this time of great human advancement, and artisans sold the bright red gemstone in the form of cameos! These graceful side portraits of women were a wonderful statement of a lady’s high status. It can be no coincidence that these Carnelian pendants were often given as gifts from a beloved, or used to increase allure while courting. Though there wasn’t as thorough or accessible documentation on the metaphysical properties of crystals in the past, they still managed to work their magic in everyday life throughout history!