Carnelian gemstone, associated with some of the most important qualities as energy booster and emotional balancer, is a commonly available gemstone being a quartz member. The attractive gemstone has been in use since ancient times and the qualities of the gemstone made it one of the most valued gemstones in the past. Availability in great numbers across the world has brought down its material importance; however, its qualities hold the popularity of the gemstone even today and will continue to do so. It is used in the making of various types of jewelry.
The gemstone is a form of chalcedony and it shares many qualities with yet another chalcedony form called Sard. Sard is a brown colored chalcedony. Both are encouraged by the same environments to develop. Iron deposits in both the gemstones cause their colors. Carnelian and sard are difficult to tell apart as they are from the same deposits. While most in the industry do not distinguish both, some basic properties set these two apart.
Carnelian gemstone is of lighter color and its color range could be anywhere from orange to brown with a shade of red. Sard is dark shaded and the colors range from intense reddish-brown to near black.
Sard is harder and tougher than carnelian and it is darker as well. However, the difference is not well defined and hence, many a times we find that the names are interchangeably used.
As far as fracture is concerned, we find carnelian to be shell-shaped and uneven. Sard on the other hand looks more dull and jagged.
The differences between carnelian and sard are very few and mostly not well defined. Both coming from the same family and looking near identical with same features, even the best of eyes and knowledge on gemstones find it difficult to differentiate the two.
Since they both are from the same roots, carnelian is found in the same land as sard. They are available in India, Brazil, Australia, China, United States and United Kingdom.
Most of the qualities associated with these gemstones are similar as well. Carnelian is associated with better understanding and other qualities, which lead to enhancing the quality of life. Sard is attributed these qualities as well. The light variations in the features are not sufficient to make them two different identities altogether. Carnelian found in dark shades and brown shades are at times referred to as sard.
The difference between the two being minimal, if you are particular about having carnelian, you need to approach a jeweler who has in depth knowledge on gemstones. Carnelian and sard – Would not it be right to recall that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet?
