Save up to 30% | Lifetime guarantee | 30 days return policy
Garnet
Garnet is a gemstone that most people think of as being red. However, garnet is a very versatile stone and comes in many different hues. The name garnet, however, derives from the Latin word granatus, the Latin name for pomegranate. This is characterized, of course, by the red seeds, which resemble garnet crystals.
Garnet: Origin, History, and Symbolism
The most common sources of garnet are: Brazil, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA, Zambia. According to ancient legends, garnet gives strength, joy for life, optimism, courage, and a survival instinct. In short, a stone very suitable for crisis situations and hopeless circumstances. It also strengthens the immune system and the self-healing ability of the human body. Garnet is the birthstone of the month of January and belongs to the zodiac signs Capricorn and Aquarius.
Garnet has historically been part of the Order of the Nine Gems. This 'Holy Order' was established in 1851 by King Mongkut Rama IV of then Siam (now Thailand). This order is the highest and oldest of Thai distinctions and is only given to Buddhist members of the royal family and prominent Thai leaders. The only exception to this was made in 1864 for the then Emperor of France, Napoleon III.
Garnet was also one of the stones embedded in the breastplate of the Jewish high priest. This breastplate contained four rows of three gemstones in a golden setting. Each stone was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Physical Facts about Garnet
Garnet can, depending on the garnet group to which it belongs, vary in colors such as red, orange, brown, green, purple, yellow, black, or colorless. DiamondsByMe uses garnets that fall under the group Almandine or Almandite. This group is named after a region in Asia Minor where it was mined, called Alabanda. This Almandine is characterized by a deep red to brown-red color. Another garnet group used by DiamondsByMe is Pyrope, also known as rhodolite.
Molecular formula of garnet: Mg3Al2(SiO4)3 / Fe3Al2(SiO4)3
Hardness of garnet on the Mohs scale: 7.25 / 7.5
Garnet can be scratched by materials that are harder or have the same hardness. For example, sapphire can scratch garnet. The toughness of garnet is good, so the stone will not break easily. If the stone has many inclusions, it is less strong and more likely to break.
Caring for Garnet
Garnet is a stone that, like amethyst, has been used in jewelry for centuries because it does not break easily and has a beautiful color. Garnet is sensitive to large temperature differences. We do not recommend dipping the stone in ice-cold water on a hot summer day. The stone could crack and, in the worst case, break.
Imitations of Garnet
Common imitations for Almandine garnet are ruby, red spinel, and tourmaline. These imitations are not used as often today and are mainly found in older jewelry.
Cut
Garnet can be found in almost all cuts. Garnet is most often faceted to create the most beautiful effect. In older jewelry, garnet was often cabochon cut. When the stone also had an intense color, it was called a carbuncle. Depending on color and quality, the stone is cut into the best shape.
Garnet in Jewelry from DiamondsByMe
If you are still not convinced that garnet is the right stone for your jewelry after reading this information, take a look at our garnet rings, garnet earrings, or garnet necklaces and play with the configurator. This way you can see the beautiful combinations you can make and you may come to the conclusion that the warm cognac color of garnet is the choice for you!
Also, have a look at our: