3.2" Banded Carnelian Agate Sphere - Madagascar

Carnelian is a semi-precious variety of chalcedony that features an orange or orange-red coloration. Its name is believed to come from the Latin word carneus, meaning 'flesh colored'. The reddish color is caused by iron oxide impurities in the silica that makes up the chalcedony.

Carnelian is one of the oldest known gemstones. It was widely used in ancient Rome to make insignias and seals for imprinting on letters or important documents because hot wax does not stick to carnelian.