In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as orange agate and carnelian it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
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Orange Agate vs. Carnelian – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical composition
Orange Agate both belong to the same family of chalcedony minerals, a subspecies of quartz. However, they both have different chemical compositions.
Orange agate forms from the deposition of silica (silicon dioxide) from groundwater within igneous rock cavities. It results when three kinds of naturally occurring mineral components and rocks combine. These three types are chalcedony, microgranular quartz, and crypto crystalline silica.
Red chalcedony is referred to as carnelian. Carnelian is different because it results from the deposition of cavities over time. In regular intervals, cavities deposit and attach parallel to the walls of the hole. The iron oxide (hematite) in the carnelian is responsible for the reddish-orange color.
Also read: Full Guide To Agate vs. Jasper (This is the Difference)
Color
Both the orange agate and carnelian stones display their different color intensity. Orange agate is found in darker shades ranging from orange and dark reddish-brown hues. Carnelian comes in different lighter shades of either reddish brown to orange.
Pattern and Clarity
The two stones are distinguishable based on their diverse fractures. Carnelian stones possess sub-conchoidal fractures that are noticeable by their uneven and wavy surface.
Orange agates have their characteristic conchoidal fractures. This means that orange agates break along smooth curved surfaces. This is noticeable in their different banding pattern. Orange Agate has a defined banding of different variations. These bands come in different colors, and so their appearance varies based on the place where the stone was discovered and uncovered.
Carnelian has a more consistent color, but no bands.
In terms of clarity, the Carnelian agate is a translucent semiprecious type of chalcedony. It possesses a somewhat translucent smooth surface, and its red color comes from the colloidally dispersed hematite during its formation. Orange agate is a transparent semiprecious variety of chalcedony, but has a solid color.
Also read: Full Guide To Red Agate vs. Carnelian (This is the Difference)
Hardness
Orange Agate is rated between 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Carnelian scores a seven on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Care
The orange agate can be placed in the glare of the moonlight from the full moon to energize. Other ways of energizing the stone include setting it in rice, moving it through incense or sage smoke, or burying it in the earth overnight.
Carnelian requires cleaning using a little warm and soapy water simply. The washing ensures that the crystals can release any negative energy they might have accumulated. Washing makes the stone clean and open so that they transmit all the positive energy without any hindrance.
Also read: Can Agate Go In Water? (Blue Lace, Moss, Iris and More)
Location
The Carnelian stone is native to India but is found in Australia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Peru.
The primary sources of orange agate are found in Germany, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Also read: Can Carnelian Go In Water? (Full Guide)
Use
Jewelry
Orange agate is regarded as a protective stone used by people seeking to have stable lives. They acknowledge that the stone will protect them. Moreover, it is preferred by people who desire who are building their self-love and love for others. Given that other individuals are a reflection of who we are, we should focus on loving ourselves so that we can show love and service to others.
Carnelian Agate is preferred for making decorations and other ornaments. Its main advantage is that it has a bright color and a very smooth surface. It is often used when making diverse forms of jewelry like earrings, bracelets, and pendants.
Properties
Healing properties
The two stones have specific healing properties that affect different areas in life. Choosing between the two will depend on your objective and the healing properties that you need.
Orange agate has the metaphysical healing properties of being a protective talisman, grounding crystal, and eliminator of all negativity. The stone envelopes the person wearing it, forming a protective shield against any negative energy. This stone also works to dispel any challenging issue. It helps to encourage and strengthen people to do away with any difficult situation.
As a plus, the orange agates open up the heart of the individual. This makes it appropriate for people who desire the feeling of getting out of a series of unhelpful habits. It motivates someone to be open-minded and strengthens the will to attain our goals.
On the other hand, the carnelian stone has the healing property of vital energy and ambition. The stone fuels your body, mind, and soul with crucial energy and power. In this sense, it empowers a person to go forth and take action that will enable them to achieve their purpose.
The stone transmits energy that allows you to become energized, stimulated, and comforted by warmth and delight.
Chakra Association
The orange agate is associated with the root chakra that dictates the rest of the chakras, similar to the foundation of buildings.
The root chakra is associated with the basic feeling of being grounded. This root chakra is related to the feeling of security and being safe in both the physical sense and the emotional. In so doing, it makes an individual be in tune with their actual actions and have calm thoughts and composed feelings.
In this sense, the orange agate is said to boost strength and courage. The power connection between the orange agate and the root chakra offers someone the power to counter any issue encountered in life. Another benefit is that it acts as a shield against negative energies, offering calmness and composure.
On the other hand, the carnelian is linked with the sacral chakra.
This sacral chakra is found within the lower abdomen. As a result, it is associated with the capacity to feel pleasure. Therefore, the energies from the carnelian offer more energy and vitality, hence boosting drive and passion. It revitalizes this vital energy point and goes forth to induce peace, harmony, and better balance in life.
Also read: What Chakra Is Carnelian? (Orange, Yellow, Red)
Zodiac Association
Orange agate is assigned as the birthstone of the Zodiac sign of Gemini. The Gemini has the characteristic of being a non-committal impulsive, and uncertain individual. The orange agate is effective at grounding these impulses and appeasing this pressure that is committed to the Gemini.
As a result, the person feels protected and grounded with minimal anxiety. It is popular among those who have had strict upbringings or complicated relationships with their parents or guardians.
Carnelian is the birthstone of the zodiac sign Virgo. Virgo has the characteristic of being a fast, systematic thinker who succumbs to strain, pressure, and tension. The stone empowers the person’s inner power, revitalizing the heart with warmth and comfort.
Element Association
The carnelian stone is associated with the fire element energy of nature. This fire element represents brightness, warmth, and illumination. The piece represents action, change, passion, and motivation.
On the other hand, orange agate is associated with the earth element. The earth element implies growth and stability.
Also read: Can Carnelian Be In The Sun? (Full Guide)
Numerical Vibration
When deciding on your preferred crystal, numerical vibration is an important feature to consider based on your needs.
The orange agate vibrates at the frequency of 7. Based on numerology, the number 7 signifies perfection and completeness. People who resonate with this number lead a life devoid of obstacles.
Carnelian vibrates at the frequency of 5. In numerology, the number 5 signifies diversity, evolution, and passion.
Ruling Planet
The planet moon governs Orange agate. The moon controls our feelings and deepest emotions.
The planet Mars governs carnelian stones. It is a rather potent planetary stone; the more you wear, the more muscular the feelings of motivation, high energy, and endurance. Mars is the planet of action, innovation, and change.
Best Combinations
Combine orange agate with amethyst and rose quartz to help with sleeping challenges.
Orange agate combines with clear quartz to bring balance to the crown, base, and heart chakras. The orange agate can also be combined with lower chakras to boost the release of negative energy. In return, it promotes a positive feeling that keeps people grounded.
Carnelian has an energy that enables it to combine with all crystals. However, some best combinations work better than others. Pairing the stone with red jasper to the right and a tiger’s eye on the left boosts a person’s creativity.
Pairing the carnelian with pyrite boosts the wearer’s protection. Also, pair carnelian with orange sapphire, rose quartz, and rubies to energize people sexually, inspire sexual connection and motivate passion.
