Garnet is a popular and easily distinguishable gemstone. The most well-known form of garnet is a deep red shade that has appealed to jewellers for centuries. The gemstone was well-loved by ancient civilisations and this admiration has continued into more modern jewellery designs. There are beliefs associated with garnet and it has many purposes, both spiritual and industrial. If you are interested in this beautiful and versatile gemstone, keep reading for our list of 10 interesting facts about garnet.
1. Although commonly referred to as a gemstone, garnet actually refers to a group of minerals.
‘Garnet’ refers to a group of minerals. Some of these minerals are of gem quality and are therefore often referred to as gemstones. ‘Garnet’ includes minerals such as almandine, andradite, grossularite, pyrope, spessartine and uvarovite. The most common of this group is the reddish-brown almandine. Pyrope is the most expensive and desirable for its blood red hue.
2. Garnet forms in metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks.
Garnet has been found in metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks. Most garnet forms when a sedimentary rock with a high aluminium content is exposed to immense heat and pressure.
3. The name ‘garnet’ refers to pomegranates.
The origin of the name ‘garnet’ is a fairly convoluted one. The word ‘garnet’ comes from the Middle English word ‘gernet’ which meant ‘dark red’. This seems like a fairly obvious connection. However, this comes from the Latin word ‘granatum’, meaning ‘seed’. This strange connection is thought to be due to the garnet-like appearance of the red seeds of the pomegranate.
4. Garnet can be found in a rainbow of colours.
The most popular and well-known type of garnet is that in a distinctive blood red shade. However, the gemstone comes in a wide variety of colours. These colours include green demantoid garnet, orange spessartite garnet, red pyrope garnet and pink rhodolite garnet. The only colour that garnet does not come in is blue.
5. The gemstone has been forged using coloured glass.
When looking to purchase vintage garnet jewellery, it is always best to double check the authenticity of the gemstone with an unbiased expert. This is because the Victorians used to create doublets. Doublets were pieces of genuine garnet that were fused to a piece of glass to create a larger stone at a lower cost.
6. Garnet has been used for industrial purposes.
Not all garnet that is found is of gemstone quality. Rather than let it go to waste, people have worked to find alternative uses for this abundant mineral. Sometimes, non-gemstone quality garnet is used in sandblasting. It is a relatively hard substance, falling between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so can be quite effective. When mixed with water, garnet has the capability to cut through steel.
7. From the 14th to the 19th century, Czechoslovakia was one of the largest producers of garnet jewellery.
For several centuries, Czechoslovakia was one of the most prolific producers of garnet jewellery in the whole world. The garnets from this part of the world are often referred to as Bohemian garnets. The jewellery from this period can be easily recognised as the garnets were dark in colour and often set in clusters.
8. There is evidence of the use and admiration of garnet in ancient civilisations.
It has been found that garnets date back as far as 3800BC, to the times of the Ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians thought that garnets were a symbol of good health as well as peace and deep friendship. The Ancient Greeks also had an admiration for garnets. In the mythology surrounding Persephone and Hades, garnet symbolises a quick and safe return of love and the mending of wounds between lovers.
9. Garnet is used by healers to aid in health issues relating to blood.
Healers have been using gemstones to aid and further their healing for centuries. Garnet has been used to aid with the healing of inflammation, improving circulation and helping with issues relating to the heart. All of these problems revolve around blood, so it is believed that the associations developed due to the blood red shade of garnet.
10. Some believe garnet to be a powerful ally in self-awareness.
It is believed by some that garnet will aid with introspection and therefore make a powerful ally in a journey towards self-awareness. The introspection that is encouraged by the gemstone will further truthfulness and assertiveness. Garnet is also believed to enhance the power of karma.
If you are interested in adding this beautiful gemstone to your jewellery collection, click here to browse garnet jewellery on our website.
What are your thoughts on our list of 10 interesting facts about garnet? Do you know any fascinating ones that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
