Carnelian is a reddish-orange mineral that has always been associated with vigor and power.
Some people who have used Carnelian have reported instances of their moods becoming agitated and even angry.
After wearing a Carnelian bracelet for a week, Sarah found herself feeling impatient and irritable about any minor problems at work. Sarah scoffed at her coworkers’ minor mistakes and became furious at inconsequential delays or setbacks.
Mark’s girlfriend gave him a beautiful carnelian ring, He loved it and wore it every day. But one day he had a fit during a negotiation with a client because they didn’t agree with his proposal, which he knew wasn’t right, but he couldn’t help himself, saying he hardly ever did that before.
Does Carnelian really make people angry?
Let’s dive into this.
The Metaphysical Properties of Carnelian
In the crystal healing tradition, Carnelian is known as the stone of inspiration, endurance, leadership and courage. It is believed to enhance vitality and awaken the fire within you. Carnelian is also associated with sexuality, self-confidence, creativity, fertility, and mobility.
Whether you wear it or carry it, Carnelian is believed to raise your vibrational energy closer to a fiery, active frequency. This stimulating energy is said to inspire passion, excitement, drive, and ambition.
Some believe that Carnelian enhances fertility and sexuality due to its association with the sacral chakra, which governs these areas. Orange stones like Carnelian activate and energize the sacral chakra. Other metaphysical properties associated with Carnelian include
- Increased energy, enthusiasm and confidence
- Courage in the face of adversity
- Increased motivation, energy and determination
- Inspiring action and moving forward
- Stimulate creativity and sexuality
- Facilitating bold change
- Overcoming negative emotions such as apathy, fear and depression
- Preventing jealousy, resentment and anger in others
- Remove negative beliefs that hold you back
If worn too often or overused, Carnelian may amplify tendencies toward anger, aggression and impatience. Its fiery energy is believed to ignite emotions and desires. For this reason, crystal experts recommend wearing Carnelian in moderation and balancing it with a calming gemstone.
The science behind Carnelian
While the mystical powers of crystals remain unproven, there are several scientific factors that help explain why carnelian is associated with anger and aggression.
The Color Effect
Color psychology studies have found that different shades evoke different moods, emotions and behaviors. Warm colors such as red, orange and yellow are stimulating and energizing.
Red especially increases heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. It is associated with passion, energy, strength, vigor, aggression and anger. Orange also increases energy levels and stimulates action.
Researchers believe that this response to the color red dates back to our primitive times, when the color red symbolized warning, strength and danger. The color red provokes instinctive reactions related to survival, such as fight or flight.
Even the sight of red makes people react faster and more intensely. The strong connection between the color red and anger makes Carnelian a natural match for intense emotions such as rage and anger.
The Mineral Composition
The mineral composition of carnelian provides clues to its energizing effects. Carnelian is composed of silica or quartz crystals that contain traces of iron oxide. This iron content gives carnelian a burnt orange to brownish red hue. Iron is considered a projecting and activating element associated with passion, drive and courage.
Iron oxide nanoparticles were used in ancient times as medicines and remedies to promote strength, vigor, and boldness. Today, iron oxide in colloidal form still exists as a mineral supplement claiming to enhance energy, endurance and athletic performance.
It is believed that the iron in carnelian can be absorbed through the skin if worn close to the body. This may have a refreshing effect, stimulating passion and increasing productivity.
While research in this area is limited, some small studies suggest that iron-containing jewelry worn as bracelets or anklets may increase iron levels due to skin absorption.
The Placebo Effect
The power of the mind is also a key factor in the supposed effects of carnelian. If someone wearing Carnelian believes that the gemstone will make them more passionate, motivated, and irritable, then this placebo effect can lead to real changes in mood and behavior.
Focusing on the energy of the gemstone, coupled with its bold color and rich history, can subconsciously affect mood and behavior.
Tips for using Carnelian
Here are some tips if you want to utilize the energy of Carnelian in a balanced way:
- Choose a lighter orange or tangerine color over a darker crimson, which is considered more provocative.
- Wear small carnelian pendants close to the neck and shoulders, rather than wearing larger pendants directly on the skin of the chest or sacral area.
- Pair carnelian with calming, grounding stones like blue lace agate, amethyst, turquoise or black tourmaline.
- Avoid wearing carnelian around the clock. Allow the body to rest from its activating energy.
- Maintain positive intentions when wearing Carnelian. Focus on positive intentions such as self-confidence, productivity and creativity.
- Drink plenty of water and exercise to turn carnelian calories into constructive vitality.
- If you are feeling impatient or angry, remove the carnelian and replace it with a crystal such as rose quartz or moonstone to soothe the feminine energy.
Remember that the energy of Carnelian depends greatly on your own intentions and inner state. Seek balance and you will be able to utilize Carnelian’s passion, drive and courage without being overly aggressive or angry. Let Carnelian inspire you to boldness and action without compromising your wisdom and inner peace.
Carnelian Crystal Ball Grid for Anger Management
If you struggle with out-of-control anger, making a crystal grid with red agate and other calming gemstones can help you regain balance and inner peace. Please follow the steps below:
You will need:
- 1 Carnelian or Crystal Ball
- 4 amethyst points or tumbled stones
- 4 blue lace agate stones
- 1 square green or blue cloth
- Clear quartz crystal cluster (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cloth on a flat surface and place the carnelian ball in the center.
- Place the 4 amethyst points around the sphere with the points facing inward. Place the amethysts to the north, east, south and west of the carnelian. These stones will serve as anchors and stabilizers.
- Place 4 blue lace agate tumbled stones between the amethyst points. They represent calming energy.
- If clear quartz clusters are used, place them near the grid to enhance the effect.
- Sit facing the grid, take a deep breath and focus on the grid setup. Visualize the grid radiating calm, balanced energy in your space. Allow the stones to calm the emotions of anger and frustration.
- To activate the grid, place your hands around the Carnelian sphere and visualize your anger being transformed into motivation and purpose. Say an affirmation such as “I am calm. I channel my energy in a constructive way”.
- When not in use, cover the grid or break the stones into two piles – carnelian and amethyst on one side and blue lace agate on the other.
Make this grid after an argument, on a difficult day, or when you find anger emerging. The combination of grounding amethyst, calming blue lace agate and energizing carnelian provides balance. This allows you to live your life in a positive way, rather than being blinded by anger and rage.
Final Words
Carnelian is unlikely to cause immediate anger. However, Carnelian may stir up passion and energy in a person, which can sometimes manifest as impatience and irritability or frustration if manifested to an extreme. Much depends on the mindset and psychology of the individual.
People who are already prone to anger and aggression may feel these qualities amplified when wearing carnelian, the
However, traditionally Carnelian is worn to energize in a positive way and to inspire constructive action. For most people, Carnelian is a talisman of strength, courage and confidence.
About the Author
Nia Ivy is an intuitive empath, reiki healer, and certified yoga instructor. She teaches workshops on energy healing, developing intuition, and using yoga and meditation to tap into higher states of consciousness. Nia believes we all have innate healing abilities if we cultivate the self-awareness to access them. Her own spiritual awakening came through consistent mindfulness practices. She aims to hold space for others to find their inner light.