Garnet is the general name given to a group of crystals mainly, but not all, being forms of aluminum silicates.
Garnets are known well for being a deep, warm, red, however garnets come in several wonderful colors including green, orange, brown, yellow, and earth tones such as cinnamon. The only color that a garnet does not come in is blue. Usually the most popular and valuable garnets are the deep, warm red ones. Since garnets have been around and popular for thousands of years, many garnets are sold as antiques.
Garnets have a crystal structure and decent hardness of 7.5 to 8. This hardness allows them to be worn on a daily basis; however it is important to note that any hard impact can shatter a Garnet. Besides crystal structures, Garnets can also occur in grain form. While grain form is less popular than the crystal form, it can be made into a wide variety of jewelry as well. Sometimes grainy Garnets are used in industrial applications such as abrasives.
Garnet Metaphysical Properties
There are six types – Almandine, Andradite (Melanite), Grossular (includes Hessonite and Tsavorite), Rhodolite (Pyrope), Spessartine, and Uvarovite. The color range is from red through orange to green. We have more detailed articles for the various types.
The frequency of the various types of Garnet connects to the Earth star, base, sacral, solar plexus, heart, and crown chakras depending on a specific type. Thus, their energies include those of creativity, emotional healing, prosperity, security, and strength.
Garnet allows one to feel secure and grounded within one’s physical body and the third dimension, increasing energy levels, creativity, and sexuality.
Garnets bring healing energy to emotions allowing one to be open to love on all levels. They allow one to feel the abundance forever present in the Universe.
Associated Chakras
- Earth Star
- Base Root
- Sacral
- Solar Plexus
- Heart
- Crown
Physical Ailment
- Reproductive System
- Spine
Emotional Issue
- Anxiety
- Creativity
- Fear
- Security
Spiritual Connection
- Abundance and Prosperity
- Emotional Healing
History and Origins
Garnets have a long history and were even written about in the Old Testament as Noah Ark’s lantern. During ancient times, garnets were used as protection from evil and sailors also used them to stay safe when at sea. Emperors from Rome to Egypt found them fascinating and lots of jewelry pieces were created from these beautiful stones. Today they are given as gifts for birthdays, most notably for birthdays that fall in January.
Garnets are found all over the world, however, while rare, the highest quality Garnets come from East Africa. Other regions where Garnets are found are in certain parts of Europe and South America.
