Garnets have been used as gemstones and abrasives, and their utilization has been dated back to 5000 years ago. They occur in a variety of colours, including red, green, blue, purple and black. While the range of colours no doubt captivated all who set their eyes on one, the red coloured garnet seems to have had the most effect on its owners. The word garnet may find its origin in the English word "gernet" meaning dark red or in the Latin "granatus", which translates into "grain" (possibly an allusion to the red seeds of the pomegranate plant).
Garnets are a key mineral in understanding the origins of many igneous and metamorphic rocks due to their slow diffusion of elements and their resistance to alteration. From this, the growth history of the encasing rocks can be determined. The metamorphic facies of rocks is another item that can defined using garnets.
The general chemical formula for garnet is X3Y2(SiO4)3 and its luster is said to be vitreous or resinous. The largest single crystal of garnet found was documented to be 2.3 meters in width and weighing 37.5 tons!
As far back as the Medieval age, garnets were thought to cure depression, alleviate liver diseases and protect against evil dreams. The use of Garnets can also be found in ancient stories and religious texts. Noah supposedly used a glowing garnet to light up the ark during the wet days and nights. Also, the blood red garnet was considered a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and the Qur'an tells us that the garnet illuminates the Fourth Heaven of the Muslims. Garnet is also considered a gift of love and is symbolic of a quick reunion of separated lovers. Nowadays, garnet is used as an abrasive in place of sand. When mixed with high pressure water, it can be used to cut steel. It has also found itself on the list of birthstones, taking the month of January.
Crystal System: Cubic
Crystal Habit: Rhombic Dodecahedra or Cubic
Cleavage: None
Streak: White
Hardness: 6.0-7.5
Also Get to Know:
Cummingtonite
Garnet
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