Garnet is a medieval Latin granatus word that means "pomegranate" and refers to the similarity in the color. Garnets were used as gemstones and abrasives since the Bronze Age. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore necklaces made with red garnets. Intaglios made of garnet were used to stamp wax and secure important documents in signet rings from ancient Rome. Red garnets were preferred by clergymen and nobles in the Middle Ages.
Garnet is actually a combination of many minerals. Five of these minerals - pyrope (almandine), spessartine (grossular), andradite) - are valuable gems. The colors of almandine and pyrope range from purples to reds. Spessartine can be found in vibrant oranges and yellows while andradite, the gem variety demantoid, is mostly yellow-green. Grossular has the most variety, ranging from colorless to yellow to reddish orange, orangy red and a strong vibrant green called Tsavorite.
The Smithsonian's antique Pyrope hair comb, also known as pyrope, is one of the most well-known pieces of garnet jewelry. (pyrope comes from the Greek pyropos meaning "fiery-eyed". The crest is adorned with a large, rose-cut garnet. It looks like a serene queen looking out over her court. This tiara-like jewel is made of pyrope garnets, which were found in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. These rich red beauties were very popular during the Victorian era (1837-1901), when the piece was created.
Garnets can be found in many countries and regions. Bohemia was the main source of red pyrope garnets that were so popular in Victorian times. The majority of the world's garnet is now supplied by Africa. Namibia now produces demantoids. The brightest green tsavorites on the market are mainly from Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Tanzania and Namibia are key suppliers of rich, orange-to-yellow spessartine garnets. This gem was first discovered in Southern California's Little Three mine area. It is now a well-known source of the birthstone for January.
According to estimates, 80% of the world’s gems are supplied by small-scale, artisanal miners like this Voi tsavorite miner. Robert Weldon/GIA
GARNET BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING
On the Mohs scale of hardness , different types of garnet can range from 6.5 to 7.5. This birthstone is more vulnerable to damage than diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. While not all garnets can be worn daily, they can be used as earrings, brooches, and pendants. You should think about how you store your garnet jewelry. It can scratch if it is allowed to rub against hard gems like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Garnet can also scratch soft gems like pearls and opals.
The majority of garnets do not require treatment. Rarely, though, are garnets fracture filled. In this case, the treatment attempts to increase the clarity of the gemstone by filling the cracks with a glass-like substance. These stones need special care. Garnets can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water. Exceptions to stones with fractures or that have been fractured, ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe. It is not recommended to steam clean.
This guide will help you find the perfect garnet, no matter if you are looking for the January birthstone or the perfect gemstone to commemorate your 2 anniversary. It can be taken with you to help you shop confidently.
Garnet is said to cleanse the chakras and reenergize them for a balanced flow in purified energy. Garnet is a foundation for deep physical, spiritual and emotional healing. It activates the survival instinct and strengthens the will to live and prosper.
Garnet stimulates the body's metabolism, and helps to regenerate the body. It is used to treat disorders related to cell structure and cellular composition, including the spine, bone and heart. Garnet is a natural way to regenerate DNA and purify the blood, lungs and heart.
It boosts the immune system to fight off disease and illness, as well as improving energy levels.
Garnet is good for reducing body toxins. Garnet is used to speed up healing and blood clotting in wounds. It works in harmony with the body's natural healing processes by bringing healing nutrients together. It is known to relieve arthritic pain and rheumatic pain caused by various types of arthritis.
RELATIONSHIP ENERGY
Garnet is a sensual and passionate stone that can ignite passion and fire deep in the psyche. It encourages positive thoughts and energy that can be used to engage in all kinds of relationships. It encourages love, devotion, and relieves emotional disharmony.
Garnet's fire is a great way to clear your mind and make better decisions in relationships. It increases self-confidence and social popularity.
ROMANTIC LOVE
Garnet is associated with the heart chakra. It can help you feel passionate and sexy, as well as increase self-confidence and inspire uninhibited sexuality. It helps to balance the sexual drive and promote intimacy in romantic relationships.
For a more meaningful and clear approach to romantic/physical love, one's perceptions of self and others will be sharpened.
EMOTIONAL HEALING
Garnet is a source of hope, courage, and helps to reduce fearfulness. Garnet promotes self-awareness, acceptance and respect for oneself.
It promotes self-confidence and opens the heart to new possibilities. Garnet's metaphysical properties are effective in overcoming anxiety, fear, depression, hurt feelings and other emotional disorders.
Red garnets are good for managing anger, particularly anger at oneself. Garnet is often placed under the pillow to release its curative properties. Garnet can also be worn around your neck or anywhere else on the body.
Garnet is known to reduce sadness and increase joy.
CREATIVE ENERGY AWARENESS
Garnets stimulate creativity and analytical processes. Spessartine is the strongest type, as it has strong associations to the Sacral or Solar Plexus Chakras. This stimulates creativity and empowers the will.
It can also reduce fear and instill confidence to make positive changes in your life [2].
PROSPERITY & WEALTH
The Uvarovite Garnet encourages joy and acceptance of all that the Universe has to offer. It encourages wealth and prosperity.
Through activation of the Heart Chakra, it stimulates spiritual connections.