Garnet has a long and storied history dating back to before the Bronze Age. These stones have long been prized for their beauty and brilliance. These gemstones are used in creating jewelry and are used in industrial applications for polishing grinding. Industrial garnet can be commonly found in sandpapers and other abrasive materials. The color of these stones covers almost the entire spectrum of colors from deep reds to vibrant greens and yellows.
Where Are Garnets Found?
Garnet is found in a surprisingly wide area of the planet, though Montana, New York and Idaho are the only areas in the United States where garnet is mined and is of an industrial quality, though gem-quality star garnet can be found in Idaho. Some other areas of the world that provide gem-quality stones include China, areas of Africa, South America, northern Europe and Thailand.
History
The name garnet actually refers to a wide variety of gemstone species, with each species representing a different base color. Initially discovered in Scandinavia and areas of the Middle East, discovery these stones dates back to around 3100 B.C. The earliest use as a gemstone seems to date back to around 400 B.C. in areas of southern Europe.
Birthstone Information
Garnet is considered to represent the month of January and is most closely associated with the astrological birth sign of Aquarius. Its significance as a birthstone is said to date back to the time of Moses and is recognized as one of the twelve original birthstones and are said to represent the original twelve tribes of Israel.
New Age Beliefs, Uses and Powers Through The Ages
Like many mineral crystals, garnet is believed to impart healing qualities to the wearer and these beliefs date back to biblical times, through the medieval period times and into the New Age. Among other beliefs during medieval times, these beautiful stones were even rumored to protect the bearer from poisons and venoms. People in the New Age community believe that garnet has healing properties that benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of the bearer with the ability to purify the body and even cure or eliminate certain diseases.
Other Names Known By
Garnets come in very wide choice of colors and are categorized by color with reds such as pyrope and almandine, oranges like Spessartite, black as in melanite and greens and yellows like grossular, demantoid and topazolite.
Artificial Forms of Enhancement
There no known enhancements possible in naturally-occurring garnet.
Color
The color of this stone varies throughout the color spectrum with the exception of blue.
General Scientific Information
The chemical names vary by species X3Y2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as nesosilicates.
Almandine garnetFe3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Iron Aluminum Silicate. Androdite garnetCa3Fe2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Calcium Iron Silicate. Grossular garnetCa3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Calcium Aluminum Silicate. Pyrope garnet Mg3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Magnesium Aluminum Silicate. Spessartine Mn3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Manganese Aluminum Silicate. Uvarovite garnetCa3Cr2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Calcium Chromium Silicate.
Hardness measures 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale - the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.
There is no cleavage found in garnet and breaks into irregularly shaped pieces with sharp edges.
The color of this stone is said to come from irons, magnesium and calcium. The specific gravity is approximately 3.8. The crystalline system is isometric.
Garnet is the birthstone for people born in the month of January and it is supposed to contain powers that will facilitate your night vision and help you to achieve success. It is also the traditional stone that symbolizes the second marriage anniversary. In the past, some archeologists have found different types of garnet jewelry in the lake dweller graves. According to them, garnet was a popular form of jewelry in the Bronze Age. Today, you can find garnet mines in India, Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Siberia and Africa.
Not all the garnets are a high quality gem but the ones that are of high quality, they are more than just priceless. You buy a garnet ring once, it is for life! They are available in a broad spectrum of colors except in blue. You will find a vibrant orange garnet ring, lime green garnet ear rings, pink garnet in affordable jewelry, and even shades of violet.
Garnet consists of certain minerals like Pyralspites (aluminum), Ugrandites (calcium), Pyrope, Uvarovite, Almandine, Andradite etc. Apart from pure varieties of garnets, there are some mixed varieties like malaia or malaya, and grandite. Another type of garnet comes in a hue of purple and it is called rhodolite. As far as the color of garnet is concerned, there is a special type of garnet called the Spessartite garnet.
Spessartite garnet is ideochromatic, which means that is gets its color from magnesium. Magnesium produces the vibrant orange in garnets, which has become irresistible and popular. Now if you mix some iron in the form of almadine, then the garnet will produce a deeper red color, more like the red wine and is as intoxicating. Did you know that the garnet actually got its name from the Latin word granatum meaning grain?
Garnets are available in two different forms, the igneous and the metamorphosed rock formations. These rocks are formed due to intense heat like the one produced by volcanoes. Garnets hold a strong reputation of being tough and they are used as a gemstone and also in the abrasive industry. It is an excellent substitute for mineral slag and sand in blast cleaning treatments.
One of the new found type of garnet is the Spessarite garnet. Most Spessartite garnets are available in three different categories. The light colored garnet and bright ones with deep orange or red color comes from Nigeria. There is the spectacular tangerine orange or mandarin garnets, which come from Namibia and they are a class by themselves. The Spessartite garnet has a deep red color but it will look its best in incandescent light. So if you are planning to buy one then check it under the incandescent light. The garnet is quite a strong stone and measures 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale and this means that it can stand the test of time just your love. When you gift a garnet then it becomes symbolic of your love and devotion for that person.
Both Mitch Endick & J. Morley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mitch Endick has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Puppies Dogs and Education. Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popularjewelry site: