Today at Planderful we want to tell you about a gemstone that is not so well known that is associated with January: the garnet. This gemstone can be found all over the world and is commonly red, but it can also be found in other colors and chemical formulas. The luminosity of this gemstone makes it stand out in any jewelry. Learn the properties of garnet and get your next favorite piece of jewelry.
What is a Garnet stone?
The Garnet family is one of the broadest and most complex in the gemstone world. Unlike minerals such as Beryl, Garnet has different species, which are never found in their pure state and are always mixed with another type of Garnet.
Garnet can be perceived in different ancient stories and legends, specifically in those of medieval times, where it was said to be protective of negative dreams. On the other hand, the Greeks gave Garnet as a gift of love.
This crystal is known to attract prosperity and abundance. It can help you keep perspective and remind you to be grateful for the things you have. It is also known to be able to reduce stress and improve mood. The energies of this gemstone encourage higher thinking and help harness the creativity of the people who wear it.
History of Garnet
The name of this gemstone is due to its similarity to the fruit of the pomegranate. In the Bronze Age (over 5,000 years ago) pieces of Garnet were found in the Middle Eastern and Scandinavian areas.
The Garnet stone later played an important role in Greek mythology and ancient narratives, as it is mentioned in the episode of Persephone's aptness to hell. Meanwhile, in Muslim and Hebrew traditions it is praised for its splendor.
In ancient times, the garnet has been carved and worked as a precious stone. For example, the Vikings used Garnet jewelry as funeral ornaments, while the Crusaders, for greater courage in battle, decorated their armor with this gemstone.
Garnet stone was used as jewelry and ornamentation in ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and Rome. This stone was also very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, specifically in the Victorian era, because it was so often used in jewelry.
In addition to jewelry, this stone was used for years as a protective talisman. The Persians used the powder of this gemstone to decrease fever. In biblical writings, this stone was known as "carbunculus" or "carbuncle".
On the other hand, medieval knights used to carry a bag with Garnets during the crusades, in order to recover quickly, in case they were wounded or poisoned.
Garnet was a very popular stone during the 18th and 11th centuries, as it was a highly prized amulet for travelers. It was believed that the stone protected them from dangers along the way. Some people believed that Garnet increased the severity of pain, which is why it was used in China and the United States as rifle bullets.
Characteristics of Garnet
The chemical composition of garnet is what allows the mineral to be of different colors. This is because sometimes elements such as silicate, aluminum, or magnesium are present during its formation.
- The hardness of garnet is between 6.5 to 7.5 according to the Mohs scale.
Properties and Uses
- Garnet is a health stone that works as an extractor of negative energies from the chakras, transforming them into positive energies. It is used to purify the organs, and blood and reduce toxins found in the body.
- It brings protection and peace to the body.
- It boosts the survival instinct and conveys solitude and hope.
- It brings harmony, passion, and tranquility to families and couples.
- Garnet is considered a lucky stone as it attracts love and success in business.
- This rock is believed to have medicinal properties, so it helps to heal wounds quickly.
- It helps to regenerate the body and stimulate metabolism.
- It is usually used for treating spinal and cellular diseases. It also regenerates DNA.
- It allows the body to assimilate any vitamins that enter the body.
- It relieves acne and reduces cardiac disorders.
- It treats emotional problems.
- Helps to alleviate sleep problems.
- Helps to increase positivity, improving self-esteem.
- It purifies and balances the energy, giving serenity and passion.
- Stimulates the base and crown chakras.
Uses of Garnet
Despite not being a high-quality crystal, the appearance of variations such as hessonite, tsavorite, and cinnamon stone, reactivated the interest in jewelry for this gemstone. The garnet is widely used for the manufacture of various garments or jewelry such as charms, bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces, etc. Another use that can be given to the Garnet is that because it is not toxic, it can be used to filter water.
How to clean the Garnet stone
Garnet is cleaned in a simple way like quartz or tourmalines, just place it in a glass container and add enough sea salt, and after a few days remove it, cleaning and drying it very well.
The chemical composition of Garnets is very diverse, so some stones require a lot of care when cleaning them because they are sensitive to heat.
Activating the powers of Garnet
To activate this stone, it should be exposed to the light of the full moon for a whole night. The next day you can make use of the garnet stone.
As mentioned above, garnet also cleanses negative energies from the chakras. Garnet opens the higher mind and opens the path between the base and crown chakras. To activate it, place it especially on the earlobes, on the fingers, or over the heart, as well as the most appropriate place on the skin.
Note that this gem is useful in the third eye to remember past lives. Garnet helps to seek new life challenges as well as to open the intuition. In turn, it empowers analytical processes and the rational mind. Finally, the gemstone links the soul to its universal nature, while empowering spiritual relationships.
As you will see, garnet is a stone with many properties. Visit Planderful's website, we have a wide variety of garnet jewelry for you.
