Garnet: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Garnet Overview
Garnet is one of the supergroups of the mineral world. Many gemstones fall under the Garnet category.
Because of the variety found under this gem, its beauty, and its durability, gemologists from all around the globe seek out different garnets to add to their collection.
This article will take a look at the properties, meanings, and uses of Garnet.
What is A Garnet?
Since the Bronze Age, Garnet stones have been a group of minerals used as gemstones and abrasives. They have seen wide use since the ancient ages. The stone has been used extensively as a gemstone, and it is said that the name was derived from red garnets being compared to pomegranate flowers.
These stones are connected to different chakra centers depending on the type and color, but they mainly symbolize abundance and courage.
etymology
The word “Garnet” comes from the 14th-century Middle English word gernet, borrowed from the Old French “grenate “and the Latin “granatus.” Both are derived from the Latin term for ‘grain’ or ‘seed.’
The reference to mela granatum or pomum granatum (‘pomegranate,’ Punica grautuma) may be related to the fact that its fruits bear vivid red arils, which resemble Garnet stones in so many ways.
In Indian literature, hessonite garnet is also known as gomed and is one of the nine jewels in Vedic astrology that make up the Navaratna.
Where are Garnets found?
Garnet stones are found in many countries worldwide, including:
physical properties
Garnet stones have the following physical properties:
| Mineral Group | Garnet Supergroup |
| Formula | X3Z2(SiO4)3 |
| Color | Many |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.730 – 1.895 |
| Crystal System | Isometric |
| Luster | Subadamantine, Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 3.1 – 4.3 |
| Transparency | Transparent, Translucent |
Golden Glow, January’s Jewel: James Allen’s 14K Gold Garnet & Diamond Ring. Celebrate with elegance and meaning.
Garnet Cost And Value
Because Garnet comes in so many different colors and forms, the price is dependent on its quality. The most valuable tend to be Demantoid and cost around $7000 per carat for larger stones. Stones with inclusions sell for lower prices—about $500 a carat or less.
The usual factors that determine the cost of a Garnet are:
- Size: Price increases drastically with an increase in size as larger stones are harder to find and more difficult to cut.
- Quality: Quality is determined by the number of inclusions and imperfections in the gemstone. Clarity is also essential when determining the quality of a stone.
- Color: The color of the stone influences its value as well. The more vibrant and intense the color, the higher the price. Some shades also are rare and, therefore, of a higher value than others.
- Transparency: Transparency is essential when determining value as it allows you to see the stone’s internal beauty.
- Cut: The cut of a gemstone also affects its price. As with all fine jewelry, the quality of the amount determines how beautiful and valuable it will be. The cut can make a massive difference in the price of specific stones.
- Type: Different types of Garnet stones can have drastically different price points depending on their rarity. Almandine Garnet stone is one of the rare and valuable types.
How to tell if a Garnet is authentic or not?
You can use the following factors to tell whether the Garnet stone is genuine or not:
- Color: Check the color for vibrancy and monotony. If it’s monotonous and lacks depth, it is likely fake. Look for natural color changes, which are most common in the center of the stone.
- Acetone Test: Do an acetone test. Soak in acetone for a few minutes to see if the color comes off. If it does, then it’s likely fake.
- Check for inclusions: Inclusions are natural flaws in the rock. If you look closely at your gemstone, you should be able to find them. They will be small and irregularly shaped. If there are none, then it is probably fake.
- Scratch Test: Do a scratch test. Kitchen knives shouldn’t leave a mark on hard stones with a rating of 6-7 or higher. A Garnet stone has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 and does not have cleavage.
Garnet Birthstone
Garnet is associated with the month of January.
Types of Garnet
Garnet stones make up two solid-solution series: pyrope–almandine–spessartine (pyralspite), with the composition range [Mg, Fe, Mn] 3Al2(SiO4)3; and uvarovite-grossular-andradite (ugrandite), Ca+3[Cr, Al.Fe]2(SiO4)
All Garnet stones have similar physical properties but differ in chemical composition. In addition, they are often cut into gems of various shades and hues, from the clearest, most transparent Garnet to deeply colored varieties.
1. Almandine
Almandine, a modern gemstone known as carbuncle (though the word originally referred to any red stone), is sometimes incorrectly called almandite. “Carbuncle” comes from the Latin carbuncles, meaning “a live coal.” The name Almandine is a corruption of the name Alabanda, the ancient region in Asia Minor where these stones were cut.
Chemically, Almandine is an iron-aluminum garnet with the formula Fe2+3Al2(SiO4)3. These Red transparent stones, sometimes called precious garnets, are often used as gemstones.
Almandine occurs in metamorphic rocks like mica schists, where it is associated with minerals such as staurolite, kyanite, and andalusite. It is also known as Oriental Garnet or almandine ruby.
Appearance
Almandine is an iron alumina Garnet of deep red color, inclining to purple. Its color can range from Deep red, brownish red, red-violet, and black, and it has a vitreous and resinous luster.
Chakra Connection
Almandine is a powerful stone for the Root Chakra. It is associated with the elements of Earth, Water, and Fire. It can balance all three bodies: physical, emotional, and mental. Almandine helps you connect to your inner power and assists in manifesting your dreams into reality.
Meaning and Uses
- Almandine is a potent stone. It can help you overcome your fears, insecurities, and other negative emotions. It is also a protective stone that safeguards against psychic attacks, physical harm, and negative energy. You can wear it around your neck or carry it in your pocket for protection during travel or when traveling alone. Almandine helps to boost self-esteem, soothe pain and heal wounds.
- It symbolizes strength, courage, and vitality. It also promotes a relationship’s power, whether romantic or platonic. Almandine is an excellent stone for athletes trying to improve their performance as it helps increase stamina and endurance.
2. Pyrope
The mineral pyrope (from the Greek pyrōpós, meaning “firelike”) is an aluminum silicate with the formula Mg3Al2(SiO4)3, but its magnesium can be replaced in part by calcium and ferrous iron.
The violet-red pyrope from Macon County, North Carolina, is called rhodolite—Greek for “rose.” This variety is a mixture of Almandine and pyrope in the same proportion as two parts almandine to one part pyrope.
Cape ruby, Arizona ruby, California ruby, and Rocky Mountain ruby are all trade names for the same stone—pyrope. It is also known as Bohemian Ruby because it was first mined in the Czech Republic.
Appearance
Its color range from Blood red, orange-red, purple-red, pink, and black red to colorless. Optical anisotropy may occur when strain-induced birefringence is observed in more than a single (cubic) phase.
Chakra Connection
Pyrope is also a stone of the root chakra. It is a stone of protection and grounding. Pyrope can help clear the mind, making it an excellent tool for meditation. It is also said to help with issues of self-esteem and confidence.
Meaning and Uses
- It symbolizes caring, love, and compassion. Pyrope is a stone that can bring out the love in you and others. It will help you find a balance between mind and body so that your thoughts do not rule over your actions but vice versa.
- Pyrope is also a protective stone that will help you to shield yourself from negative energy and emotions. Its giving power enables you to feel more connected with your root chakra, which will, in turn, help you attract more love into your life.
3. Spessartine
Spessartine or spessartite are names for the mineral manganese aluminium garnet, Mn2+3Al2(SiO4)3.
The Spessartine garnet is often found in skarns, granite pegmatites, and allied rock types. It is also associated with certain low-grade metamorphic phyllites.
The orange-yellow variety of spessartine is found in Madagascar. Violet-red types are also common in rhyolites near Colorado Springs and Androscoggin County, Maine.
Appearance
It has various colors, including Red, reddish-orange, yellowish brown, reddish brown, or brown, and a vitreous luster.
Chakra Connection
The Spessartine garnet is related to the Sacral Chakra, located at the base of the spine. This chakra is associated with creativity and self-esteem. Therefore, the spessartine garnet can help you live life creatively, supporting your emotional expression and self-esteem. It also allows you to see yourself as a beautiful creation of God.
Meanings and Uses
- The spessartine garnet is a beautiful stone that can help you to bring out your creative side. It can also be used to promote self-esteem and emotional expression. A stone of balance allows you to find equilibrium in all things.
- The spessartine garnet helps you to find balance in your life by bringing harmony and peace. It enables you to see things from a different perspective, which can help you make more well-rounded and balanced decisions. This stone also has healing properties that can help with insomnia and anxiety.
Radiant Allure: James Allen’s 14K Gold Garnet & Diamond Earrings. Oval halo perfection in yellow gold studs.
4. Andradite
Andradite is a garnet composed of calcium and iron, Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3. The most common form is red, but the mineral may also be yellow, brown, or green.
The three most common varieties of Andradite are Demantoid (green), melanite (black), and topazolite (yellow or green).
Andradite is found in skarns and deep-seated igneous rocks such as syenite, serpentines, and greenschists. Demantoid is one of the most prized varieties of garnets.
Appearance
It ranges from yellow, greenish-yellow to emerald-green, dark green; brown, brownish Red, brownish yellow; grayish black, black; may be sectored. It may have an Adamantine, Resinous, or Dull luster.
Chakra Connection
The Andradite Garnet is a stone of the Solar Plexus Chakra located just above the navel. This chakra represents our ability to make decisions based on what we know is right for us, rather than being influenced by outside pressures or emotions. It also helps us to stay true to our ideals and values, even when they are unpopular or not in line with societal norms.
Meaning and Uses
- The Andradite Garnet is a powerful stone that can help you discover what you want out of life and how to achieve it. It helps remove blockages and limitations so one can move forward confidently, knowing what needs to be done. This stone works well with other stones for spiritual growth or healing purposes.
- The gem is also helpful for those looking to overcome addictions or bad habits. It can help someone stay focused on a goal, even when it seems impossible. Andradite Garnet can also be used to enhance creativity and intuition, which makes it an excellent stone for artists and inventors alike.
5. Grossular
Grossular is a calcium-aluminum garnet with the formula Ca3Al2(SiO4)3, in which some of the calcium may be replaced by iron and some of the aluminum by ferric iron.
The name grossular is derived from the botanical name for gooseberries, Grossularia, about the green Garnet of this composition found predominantly in Siberia. Other shades include the following colors: cinnamon brown, red, and yellow.
Because of its inferior hardness compared to zircon, which grossular resembles in color and crystal formation, it has also been called hessonite from the Greek meaning “inferior.” [29] Grossular is found in skarns—metamorphosed limestone with other minerals such as vesuvianite (UV-A)
Appearance
It has a wide variety of colors, including Brown, orange, red, yellow, green, white, colorless, and pink. In addition, the luster might be vitreous or sub-vitreous.
Chakra Connection
The Throat Chakra is the soul’s voice, communicating with others and our higher self. It is also where we receive communication from other realms and beings. A strong Throat Chakra will help us speak our truth, listen to others with compassion, be open to new ideas, and connect clearly to our intuition and psychic abilities.
Meaning and Uses
- Grossular is a type of Garnet stone found in many parts of the world. It is usually used as a gemstone because of its attractive color and hardness.
- It aids in meditation and can bring about a feeling of calm. Grossular also helps us stay in touch with our inner voice and encourages us to speak out when needed.
6. Uvarovite
It is a calcium chromium Garnet stone with the chemical formula Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3.
This Garnet is a vivid green color and is usually found as tiny crystals stuck to chromite, serpentinite, or peridotite in kimberlites. It has been discovered only in crystalline marble and schists from the Ural mountains of Russia, and Outokumpu in Finland.
Uvarovite is named after Count Uvaro, a Russian imperial statesman.
Appearance
It occurs in green, emerald-green, and green-black colors.
Chakra Connection
Uvarovite is also the stone of the Heart Chakra. It is a stone of spiritual love, compassion, and self-love. It brings joy and helps those who feel unloved by others to open their hearts wider than ever before. If you feel disconnected from your heart or have lost touch with your emotions, Unvacan helps you connect to them again. It will also help you find a balance between mind and body so that your thoughts do not rule over your actions but vice versa.
Meaning and Uses
- Uvarovite is a stone that can help you find balance in your life. If you are feeling unbalanced or off-center, it will help you regain your center and find peace again. It is related to the heart chakra, so this crystal may benefit those feeling emotionally stressed or disconnected from their heart.
- Uvarovite is a stone of compassion and can help you better understand those around you. If you are angry or frustrated with someone, this crystal may help you calm down and see things from their perspective instead of just your own.
How to clean Garnet Jewelry?
The usual household cleaning method includes the following steps:
- Soak your Jewelry in warm water and mild soap for 15 minutes or more.
- To remove remaining stains, use a soft toothbrush to scrub until the surface appears clean.
- Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or baby shampoo if stains do not come off. You can also use baking soda as an alternative to dishwasher detergent.
- Use a microfiber cloth to rub the crystal until it is shiny.
- Cleanse it using burning sage to remove any negativity absorbed, which can negatively impact the surroundings.
- There are various ways to recharge your amulet, including immersing it in moonlight or burying it underground.
It’s essential to cleanse the Garnet stone before using it—the process keeps you energized and helps keep negative energies at bay.
Garnet should not be exposed to household chemicals or heat, which can damage it or change its color.
FAQ
Are Garnets worth money?
Garnet stones are available in so many colors that their prices can vary dramatically. They range from around $500 per carat for stones with inclusions up to about $7000 per carat for larger, clean garnets. The most valuable Garnet stone is Demantoid, priced near the top of the spectrum.
What are the rarest Garnets?
Tsavorite garnet is the world’s rarest gemstone, a green stone that rivals even emeralds in its beauty. It has recently gained popularity among collectors due to its scarcity and stunning green color.
What other gemstones go well with Garnet?
The best combination for garnet stones is with other varieties of garnet. For example, an Almandine stone goes well with a Grossular stone.
However, since garnet stones come in many colors, they can be paired with almost any other gemstone. They are prevalent when matched with diamonds but can also be worn with Fire Agate and Sardonyx.
Some people prefer to wear garnets by themselves because of their natural beauty.
