Last Updated on February 27, 2022
Jasper and carnelian are stones that are often confused with each other, but they differ in terms of color, porosity, translucency and metaphysical benefits.
Although the color between these two stones is almost identical, jasper is usually red, and carnelian has a wide color range from red, orange to brown.
In terms of porosity, the carnelian is more porous than jasper, which means it can absorb liquids better. Carnelian is also more translucent. Metaphysically, both stones are good for personal power, but the carnelian drives creative energy, while jasper is used for grounding and protection.
For an in-depth discussion about these two stones, read more below and explore jasper and carnelian’s physical and metaphysical properties.
- What crystal is similar to carnelian?
- Is carnelian the luckiest stone?
- How do I identify a jasper?
Jasper vs. Carnelian
There are many factors to consider when it comes to the differences between jasper and carnelian:
Color
Perhaps the most obvious difference is the color. Jasper comes mainly in red hues, while the carnelian tends to be closer to brownish tones.
Porosity, Hardness and Luster
Jasper is typically non-porous, while the carnelian can be porous. Both stones have almost the same hardness, ranging from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
On the other hand, they have different levels of luster – jasper is more likely to exhibit a vitreous sheen, while carnelian often has a waxy to resinous luster.
Striations and Translucency
Jasper often has striations visible to the naked eye while carnelian doesn’t have them, and if it does, they aren’t very prominent.
On the other hand, the carnelian is translucent where the light shines through the stone, while jasper is almost opaque and has a darker appearance.
Metaphysical Properties
The metaphysical properties of these two stones are also very different. Jasper is a stone that promotes grounding, making it great for meditation and manifestation.
On the other hand, carnelian is said to help boost creativity and productivity. It is also a great stone to use if you’re looking for courage and motivation, as it helps to rid oneself of self-doubt.
What Crystal is Similar to Carnelian?
Often used interchangeably with carnelian is sard because of its similarity in color.
The carnelian has a mid orange hue, while sard has a browner shade due to its iron oxide content.
Sard is found in many places worldwide, but carnelian is specific to India and Brazil.
Is Carnelian The Luckiest Stone?
Carnelian has been associated with some positive qualities over the years, including luck, success and happiness.
Carnelian is said to be a powerful stone for attracting luck and good fortune into your life. It is thought to help you overcome any obstacles blocking your path to success and promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
Dating back to ancient times, Babylonians and Greeks believed that the carnelian was a powerful talisman that could protect the wearer from any possible harm and promote success in all their endeavors.
How Do I Identify A Jasper?
Jasper is a relatively easy stone to identify because of its characteristic red and brown stripes. It can also be found in other colors, but the most common variety is the reddish-brown type.
Another way to tell if a stone is a jasper is by its luster. Jasper typically has a waxy to dull luster.
The best way to identify a jasper is by scratching it against a knife. Jasper is usually quite hard, with 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so it will not scratch easily. If it does, then it’s not a jasper.
The other way to identify jasper is by looking for its characteristic banding under a magnifying glass. Banding is when different colors or shades are layered together in the same stone. Banding can be pretty subtle, so look closely and turn the stone around to see all of it.
Besides its bands and streaks, jasper may contain other minerals, such as quartz and feldspar. Sometimes these minerals are visible, while they remain hidden within the stone at other times. You can identify them by scratching with a knife or using a magnifying glass to look for signs of crystallization.
Lastly, jasper is opaque, and when you hold it up to a light source, no light should pass through. It is likely not a jasper if it appears to be translucent.
If you’re still unsure whether a particular stone is a jasper, it’s best to consult an expert or visit a jewelry store with a wide selection of stones.
