What is Garnet?

When people think of garnet, they tend to imagine it as a beautiful, deep red stone. While red garnet is incredibly popular, it can also be found in a range of other hues such as yellow, pink, orange, and green. Garnet is actually just the name of a group of minerals that form the same type of rock. This diverse group of gems has a number of functions and spiritual uses, depending on the type.

The name garnet comes from the word “granatus”, which is Latin for “seedlike”. This is in reference to the fact that the popular red garnet looks like the seeds from a pomegranate, in shape and in colour.

January Birthstone

Garnet is well-known as the birthstone for the month of January. When people wear garnet as a birthstone, they generally use pyrope garnet, which is a type of gem that provides the beautiful red colour that is associated with the stone. It has a number of different meanings and uses, but is generally thought to provide the wearer with positive energy for self-growth, passion, and creative endeavours.

Association with Chakras

Pyrope garnet is also known as a stone that represents the root chakra. The root chakra (Muladhara) is also known as the Earth chakra, and it is the basis of your stability and basic needs. Wearing or owning garnet helps to purify your chakra, by removing negative energy from your body and spirit. It is also known as a stone of passion and can bring great sexual and emotional energy to the wearer.

Tsavorite and grossular garnet are both believed to be attached to the heart chakra and related to growth and a lust for life. These gems help to unblock the heart chakra so that the wearer can be more receptive to feelings of trust and compassion, that they can then put back into the universe tenfold.

Garnet Makes the Perfect Gift

Garnet can also be a beautiful and thoughtful gift for anyone in your life. While it is often given to those who have a birthday in January, it can also be a touching present for everyone else, for its diverse healing properties. Gift a specific type of garnet to signify your wish for the receiver to be successful, healthy and prosperous. Even if someone is not necessarily spiritual, the deep shades of garnet in all of their colours are still aesthetically pleasing and will last a long time.

The History of Use

Garnets are found all over the world and have a long history. Evidence of their use has been found dating back to 3000 B.C., in the grave of a young soldier. This indicates that their importance in society is nothing new, and has existed for centuries. They were frequently worn for their healing powers, both mental and physical, a practice that is still common today.

The earliest evidence of garnet was found in the grave of a young soldier, signifying not only their importance at the time but their strength and durability. They were worn for their healing powers, a practice that is still common today. The physical strength and durability of these stones is also evident, which is also part of what has made them so popular.

It has been used as a symbol in many different religions and cultures across time. It has always been seen as sacred by Native American tribes, Aztecs, Mayans, and various African tribes as well. It was believed that it would bring enlightenment to the user, and increase their creative capabilities. This is still very much true for the tribes that still exist today.

Many Asiatic tribes believed that the deep red colour was associated with blood, and it was used as a weapon. Soldiers would launch garnets as bullets against enemies, believing that the physical strength of the stone and its spiritual powers would cause fatal blows.

Different Types of Garnet

- Pyrope Garnet

This is the type of garnet that people generally think of when they are thinking about garnet. Pyrope garnet has a bright red colour that everyone immediately recognises, and is often referred to as “living fire”. This type of garnet is believed to have healing properties, both mentally and physically. It helps to invoke positive emotions in the wearer, specifically relating to love and sexuality.

- Tsavorite Garnet

This type of garnet is a bold green colour and is one of the most expensive and rare forms of garnet. It can only be found in Kenya and Tanzania, and part of the allure of this gem is its age. Tsavorite garnets were formed on earth over 2 billion years ago, long before humans, even dinosaurs roamed the earth.

- Grossular Garnet

Grossular garnet tends to be a light green colour but can also be found in dark yellow and gold shades. This type of garnet symbolises creativity, prosperity and motivation. They help the wearer to find the inner strength they need to continue on their personal journey and to radiate gratitude and positive energy. The colours tie the stone to Mother Earth and embody her nurturing and protective nature. They offer the wearer deep spiritual connections,

- Hessonite Garnet

Hessonite garnet is often referred to as the cinnamon stone, for its beautiful warm brown and rusty red hues. This stone is known to produce success and positivity for the wearer or owner. They can improve feelings of confidence and happiness that come from a sense of self-acceptance. They are also believed to have physical healing properties, specifically in regards to the lymphatic system, by helping to detoxify all unhealthy matters from the body. It is also believed to positively affect the hormonal system and aid with fertility.

- Rhodolite Garnet

Rhodolite garnet is often a vibrant purple colour, and its name comes from the Greek word for rose - “rhodon”. This stone is used for emotional healing and balance, as well as inspiration. It helps the owner to release any negative feelings of guilt or shame, and embrace their true self-worth. It is also believed to physically aid heart and lung health. It is a great stone for pregnancy as it helps to attract loving energy and project it back out to the universe.