Overview

The shape and color of garnet crystals resemble the beautifully red seeds of the pomegranate, hence the name “Garnet.” It derives from the Latin “Granatum,” which means like a seed. Classified by different chemical elements, there are six common categories of garnets: Pyrope, Almandine, Spessartite, Andradite, Grossular, and Uvarovite. It is generally red, but its variety comes in a rainbow of colors.

Origin

Alluvial placers are the main birthplace of most gem-grade garnets. They appear worldwide, including Wyoming, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and India. The unique blue garnet was first discovered in Bekily, Madagascar in the late 1990s. It also can be found in parts of the United States, Russia, and Turkey. Mandarin garnets are the most expensive and rarest of all garnet gemstones.

History

People often associate the garnets with fire and believe that they can light up the night. In Muslim religions, they deem garnets can illuminate heaven. And in the Middle Ages, knights widely used this gem for its mysterious power in eliminating disaster and strengthening vitality. Many royals also wear garnets on their collars or tiaras, as it has been a symbol of female beauty since ancient times.

The Victorians made garnets very popular during that period. Some of the loveliest garnet gemstone jewelry from that era mimics its pomegranate namesake, with clusters of tiny red gems forming a larger statement piece. Today, you can find garnet in various jewelry pieces and styles, from beautiful rings to stunning tiaras.

Care Instructions

The hardness of garnet is between 6.5 and 7.5, which means it is more vulnerable than rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. If garnet rubs against other harder gems, it may be scratched. In turn, garnet will abrade softer gemstones such as opals or pearls. Therefore, please consider how to store your jewelry by category. Furthermore, treated garnets require special maintenance. Using a soft brush and warm soapy water is always a safe choice for cleaning garnets. Ultrasonic cleaners are also a good choice, except for garnets that have cracks or are under crack-filled.

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