Gem Profile- Garnet

by Judy Ellis

Garnet, that beautiful deep red stone, January's birthstone and the color of Persephone's pomegranate seeds and the promise of spring in a cold month. Though most garnets are red, they do come in a rainbow of colors due to varying chemical compositions within the basic crystal formation. We will take a look at red and reddish garnet varieties today, and then take a peek at the greens and other colors next week.

Garnet got its name from the word granatus, meaning "grain" in Latin. This may be a reference to pomum granatum, "pomegranate," whose juicy fruit resembles the color and shape of garnet gems.

Pear-shaped faceted garnet earrings in 24-gauge sterling silver wire by Anita Ralstin
and
Andrea Kump-Eicher made a pair of garnet drop earrings with wire for a dear friend who has a January birthday.

Garnets are classified as silicate minerals and most commonly develop as a dodecahedron, a shape with 12 sides.

They can also form as a trapezohedron with 24 faces, called a deltoidal icositetrahedron good luck pronouncing that!

In simpler terms, garnet crystals form in a cubic shape with three axes of equal length. The stone's color depends on which mineral occupies the X or Y axis.

Because of their crystal formation, garnets lack cleavage planes and fracture into irregular shapes.

You don't need to worry about your garnet gems fracturing with normal use.

Dawn Neumann created this garnet necklace and earrings set using garnet beads and her chainmaille designs.

Garnet Properties
Garnets have a wonderful clarity and durable hardness between 6.5 and 7.5. Some garnets do have inclusions that create a star effect with the almandine group and "horsetail" inclusions in andradite garnets.

Terri McMahon created a wire wrapped cuff with red garnets and copper wire.

Because of the clarity and hardness of the stone, garnets can be cut into any shape.

The only thing they don't really like is intense heat and rough handling.

We have talked in the past about some of the enhancements or treatments other stones go through to change their hardness and color.

Garnets are not typically treated or enhanced, but some can change color under different lighting.

Garnets are found worldwide with various colors being found in specific places.

Almost every variety of garnet can be found in the United States. Other beautiful locations that have garnet deposits are in South America, China, Russia, Turkey, and many parts of Africa.

Ruth Soucek used garnet beads and wire filigree components to create a garnet necklace and earrings set.

How Red is a Garnet?

Most of us are familiar with the deep red color of garnets, but some have specific names. Rhodolite garnets are a purplish-red or rose color, while Almandine gives red with a violet undertone. Hessonite is brownish-red, and Pyrope is red with a hint of brown.

Rounding out the reds is Spessartite, first found in Namibia and called "Mandarin Spessartine" for its orange-red hue.

Garnets made headlines several times in 1996. A 19th-century garnet brooch from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's estate sold at Sotheby's for $145,000.

That same year, the world's largest garnet was discovered in Australia. This massive stone weighs thousands of tons and spans nearly 100 feet. Not bad for a university student!

Marcia Kertel wrapped this sterling silver ring to showcase Garnet and Swarovksi Crystal beads.

Garnets in Antiquity

Garnets have been used in jewelry from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Recently a hoard was unearthed in Staffordshire England that sported an 8th century Anglo-Saxon sword hilt of garnet cloisonne.

Freeform Garnet ring by Marcia Scarborough. Marcia used 14-gauge round soft silver wire for the frame, and 21-gauge round half hard wire to attach garnet and silver beads and Swarovski cream pearls.

Garnet Symbolism and Legends

Red garnets are a symbol for the passion of life. The color is motivational and a reminder of fire and blood helping to bring forth deep feelings and passion, increase devotion and the ability to see the serious side of life.

Carolyn Jones created this garnet heart from sterling silver wire and 4mm garnet beads, complementing it with a handmade clasp with a garnet accent.

Metaphysically, scarlet garnets are considered amulets of protection. They are said to reflect strength and vitality and help enhance physical pleasures in love and life.

Orange garnets are associated with happiness. They are believed to strengthen family bonds, friendships, and companionships, bringing harmony into the home.

Red garnets are said to support healing for base chakra blockages at the spine's base.

When the base chakra is balanced, we can access personal power and regain strength both physically and mentally.

Sheila Mosher collects gemstones as well as sea glass and recycled glass. This wire wrapped angel is made from red recycled glass, with a sash of garnet chip beads.

Ancients used the word "carbuncle" to describe garnets and other red stones.

According to legend, a carbuncle was in the lantern that illuminated Noah's Ark.

Since then, explorers and travelers have carried garnets as talismans for protection.

Astrologically, garnet is associated with Mars, Mercury, and Pluto and is thought to reflect the colors of the cosmos.

Gem Profile- Garnet

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