Corneliancherry fruit

Carnelian gem

Cornelian is another way of spelling Carnelian. Carnelians are a translucent chalcedony gemstone (a mineral in the quartz family) with colors ranging from pale pink-orange to bright red to blood-brown. The colors will vary depending on how much iron oxide is present in the stone. A polished red Carnelian looks just like the fruit on a Cornus mas tree, hence the common name, Corneliancherry.

The name, Carnelian, comes from Latin roots meaning "flesh" and ancient alchemists believed the stone's color gave it special internal healing properties such as aiding digestion and alleviating the daily pains of pregnancy. A Carnelian worn around the neck promoted courage in battle and confidence in public speaking (for this reason sometimes it is called "The Singers Stone"). Muslims believe the prophet Mohammed wore a small silver ring with a Carnelian on his right little finger; the Romans engraved Carnelians to make seals for securing documents with wax; in the Middle Ages they were worn to symbolize the blood of martyrs.