Garnet: meaning, origins and properties

Highly prized in jewelry, garnet has been used since Antiquity in jewelry and ornamental objects. Its color symbolizes courage, passion and vitality.
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What is the significance of garnet stone?

The name of this natural stone comes from the Latin "malum granatum", meaning "grain fruit", because of its resemblance to the color of pomegranate seeds.
In ancient times, Pliny the Younger gave it the name "carbunculus", i.e. "burning coal", which gave rise to the French name "escarboucle".

The origins of garnet

For many civilizations, garnet has a very important place, particularly on a mystical level. Numerous religious texts refer to them. In the Bible, garnet was a lamp used to illuminate Noah when he was lost in the darkness of the Flood. In the Koran, it is used to evoke the fourth heaven.
The Vikings used them during their funeral ceremonies, as they believed they could guide the dead to their paradise, Valhalla.

In Antiquity, particularly among the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, it was used to engrave agates, jasper, ivory... to make small objects representing faces or animals. It was also ground into powder, and its abrasive qualities were used to roughen and polish these same stones.

The Barbarians and Merovingians appreciated garnet-set jewelry and accessories, such as fibulae and pendants. In the 18th century, European courtiers revived their taste for garnet in magnificent finery.

In the 19th century, the warriors of Honza, in northern Pakistan, believed its blood color conferred deadly power. That's why they made and fired garnet bullets at their British adversaries.

What are the properties of garnet?

Garnet is a member of the garnet family. It has a hardness of between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale and a density of between 3.5 and 4.3.

What color is garnet?

The color of this gemstone covers different shades of red, from bright to dark red, through to purplish or orange hues. Pyrope garnets are a variety of garnet whose brilliant, intense color ranges from dark red to blood-red, or even black.
Some varieties are green, yellow, orange, pinkish-brown or even colorless, such as Grossulaire (colorless, white, yellow, green, brown, pink),Andradite (a green to yellow-brown or even black garnet) orUvarovite (emerald green).

In ancient times, garnet was often confused with ruby.

Where is garnet found?

The largest deposits are found in Austria, Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic.

What are the benefits of garnet?

In lithotherapy, garnet has many virtues. This fine stone is said to bring joy, vitality, energy, courage and self-confidence. It also promotes self-respect and self-confidence.
This blood-red stone is considered a powerful shield against negative thoughts.

Garnet is associated with the root or first chakra. Wearing a garnet during meditation sessions or energy work is said to promote connection to the earth, increase self-confidence, support physical vitality and aid balance.

How do I recharge a garnet stone?

Like all stones used in lithotherapy, garnet stones need to be regularly purified and recharged to restore their properties.
To cleanse it of negative waves, leave it to soak for a few hours in a container filled with water (preferably distilled water rather than tap water). Then dry your stone with a clean, soft cloth.
To recharge, simply expose the gemstone to sunlight for a few hours.

How to use garnet

Garnet is one of the most popular gemstones in jewelry. It can be found in rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. It's a perfect match for gold-plated jewelry, such as gold filled, gold plated, stainless steel gold plated or 925 silver gold plated, as well as silver-plated jewelry, such as silver or stainless steel.

In lithotherapy, it is advisable to use garnet with gemstones that amplify its energy or complement its properties:

• with lapis lazuli, it calms spirits,
• with moonstone,onyx, malachite or citrine, it helps awaken creativity,
• withtiger's eye, it has protective properties,
• with rose quartz,red aventurine or carnelian, it is said to help build solid, lasting relationships.

Which stones should not be combined? It is not recommended to combine it with stones that are too soothing, as this would attenuate its dynamic effect.