ANCIENT VIKING GEM STONE 8-11TH CENTURY AD

Polished carnelian, oval, 11.7-12.0mm, flat back cabochon. 5.3mm thick. Nicely mottled gray t amber with a black spot for which it was selected and which undoubtedly was deemed to have mystical powers. Carnelian was cherished by ancient Egyptians as a source of feminine energy and to this day, thought to promote health and vigor. Probably originally set in a Viking brooch.