Garnet:
Garnet is found in the
USA (Arizona,
New York and
Idaho),
Scotland,
Tanzania,
South Africa,
Australia,
Brazil,
Argentina,
Burma, and
Switzerland.
Garnet is formed from a family of minerals having similar physical and crystalline properties. The chemical makeup consists of a combination of two or more of the following: calcium, magnesium, ferrous iron, manganese, aluminum, ferric iron, chromium or occasionally titanium. The gemstone Garnet is formed when high temperatures or pressure chemically alter their formation. Geologists often use Garnets to gauge temperatures and pressure in prehistoric times. Garnet is found in every color with the exception of blue. The different varieties are named for their color. Poor quality Garnet is also used industrially as an abrasive.
Garnet ranges from 7 to 7.5 in hardness on the Moh’s scale.
- Official birthstone for January
- Zodiac birthstone for Aquarius
- Anniversary gemstone for 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries
Myths and Therapeutic Properties
The name Garnet is said to come from the Latin word for pomegranate, “alum granatum”, due to the resemblance of garnet to red pomegranate seeds. For centuries there have been many metaphysical properties of the Garnet and many of them are still used today. It is said to offer protection from tension, anxiety, nightmares and sorrow. Therapeutic properties vary immensely. They include: assisting in heart health, maintaining bone and spine vitality, offering gallstone and kidney relief, and relieving sleep disorders. Due to the Garnets' warming energies, it has also been used therapeutically for frostbite, aching muscles, arthritis and other ailments regarding the joints.
Go to Garnet Beads