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Garnet

The name garnet is derived from the Latin word garnatum (pomegranate); this alludes to the garnet’s color and seed-like crystal formation. One of the world’s most ancient gems, garnet was called carbuncle by early civilizations.  Today, however, carbuncle refers only to red cabochon cut garnet.

In 1905 a garnet necklace dating from 3500 BC was found in Egypt, around the neck of a mummified body.

At one time any red gemstone was called garnet.  Over time this has been narrowed to several generally recognized forms:

• Pyrope - from the Greek pyropos (fire-like). It’s deep blood red color is due to the presence of chrome. 
• Rhodolite - a beautiful rose to lavender color, this form of garnet derives it’s name from the Greek rhode (rose) and lithe (stone)
• Almandine - deep orange-red to brown-red, it’s name is from the Latin carbunculus alabandicus; carbunculus means "small coal," and alabandicus refers to the city Alabanda, an ancient garnet source in Asia Minor (Turkey)
• Grossular - from Latin grossularia, "gooseberry," because some grossular crystals are pale green like the fruit.  colorless, white, yellow, pink, green, brown
• Spessartine - named after an occurrence in the Spessart district, Bavaria.  brownish red to hyacinth red
• Uvarovite - Named after Count S. S. Uvarov, Russian statesman and mineral collector.
• Star garnets carry a six-ray or four-ray star which is caused by light reflecting off of small rutile inclusions.  This beautiful form of garnet is rare and highly prized.

Lore

In  Arizona pyrope garnet is  sometimes called "ant-hill" a reference to pebbles of garnet being excavated by ants while digging their holes.

Worn as an amulet, garnet is a powerful protection stone for travelers. It was worn during the Middle Ages to provide good health and safety from thieves while traveling.  At one time garnet was believed to let travelers see at night.

Sleeping with garnet is said to help one to remember their dreams and heighten sexual awareness.  It has long been believed that garnet placed under the pillow will ease bad dreams.

"Red stones such as rubies, carbuncles, and garnets, whose color suggested that of blood, were not only believed to confer invulnerability from wounds, but some Asiatic tribes have used garnets as bullets, upon the contrary principle that this blood-colored stone would inflict a more deadly wound than would a leaden bullet.  Such bullets were used by the rebellious Hanzas, in 1892, during their hostilities with the British troops on the Kashmir frontier, and many of these precious missiles were preserved as curiosities." ¹

Medically, garnet has been used to help break a fever and regenerate the bloodstream.  In ancient times garnet was placed on open wounds to heal them.

Garnet is the January birth stone.

1)  George Frederick Kunz "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones"

Want to learn more about the metaphysical properties of crystals. Stone Power by Dorothee L. Mella

is a great book to get started.

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