Virgo - Cornelian Birthstone

A rich orange or red in colour, cornelian (sometimes referred to as carnelian) has a long history, and was once considered strictly the property of the noble classes. In ancient times people of a high social status were often buried with this gem stone. Carnelian is believed by some to increase the appetite, give energy, guard against poverty, calm the temper and promote a sense of humour. Cornelian belongs to the chalcedony family of coloured quartz stones, which also includes bloodstone, agate, onyx, cat’s eye and jasper. All commonly have a milky or wax-like lustre. When chalcedony is variegated with spots or figures, or arranged in differently coloured layers, it is called agate. If by reason of the thickness, colour and arrangement of the layers it is suitable for being carved into cameos, it’s called onyx. Astrologically, cornelian is associated with the sign of Virgo.