Garnet, the birthstone for January, has a long history of being connected with luck, karma and well-being. In ages past, garnet was believed to have powerful healing properties, so much so that it was used to treat the wounds of warriors. Learn more about this captivating gem, from its age-old legends to its modern uses.
Garnet's Physical Qualities
Garnets are a type of gemstone made up of different minerals. There are more than 20 species of garnets, but the five most common ones are pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular and andradite. Usually, garnets are a combination of two or more of these species.
Garnets come in a wide range of colours, ranging from red and violet-red to green, yellow, orange and even blue and clear. Some rarer varieties can change colour depending on the lighting, going from blue to purple.
Garnet is a very hard mineral, with a rating of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it very durable and suitable for use in jewelry. Low-quality garnet stones can be crushed and used as an abrasive, which is strong enough to cut through tough materials such as steel.
Garnet's Metaphysical Properties
Garnet is an ancient gemstone that has long been respected for its many beneficial qualities. Legends tell us that it was believed to bestow protection, health, peace of mind, and luck upon its wearer. It was believed to be a powerful talisman for warriors going into battle, and it was even thought that placing a garnet in a wound would help heal it.
Ancient astrologers also believed garnet to be a powerful agent for dispelling guilt and negative emotions and could bring comfort, confidence, clarity, and creativity to its wearer. Furthermore, it was believed that good fortune and prosperity would come to the bearer when garnet was worn while doing good deeds. Some even believed wearing garnet while committing evil acts would bring bad luck.
Garnet in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, the story of Persephone and Hades is closely linked to garnets. According to the myth, Persephone was taken by Hades to the underworld, where she eventually became his wife. To ensure her return to Hades, he gave her pomegranate seeds. This story has become associated with garnets, as they often appear in the shape of pomegranate seeds. The stone is also associated with lovers and friends separated by distance, likely because of the myth.
Garnet in Ancient Egypt and Rome
The ancient Egyptians believed that garnets held a special power and meaning. They associated the gemstone with Sekhmet, the Goddess of War and Protectress of Healing. They used Garnets to honour and celebrate her and crafted jewelry with them as far back as 3100 BC.
Garnets were used as a form of authentication in ancient Rome. People would wear signet rings with a garnet set into the design that could be used to make an impression in wax to close a document, thereby showing that it had been approved and sealed by the sender.
Conclusion
Garnet has been associated with karma and good health for centuries. Its deep red colour evokes a sense of renewal, courage, and passion, which has been linked with physical and mental healing. Garnet is believed to bring good luck, protection, success, and good health to its wearer, making it an ideal gemstone to give as a gift or to wear yourself.
At Clark and Sons Gems, we offer beautiful gems that can be made into amazing jewelry! We create jewelry that is not only wonderful but treasured for generations, whether an engagement ring, wedding band, or any other piece of jewelry for any occasion. We never sell something we would not buy ourselves! If you want a custom gem engagement ring created, get in touch with us! We look forward to meeting you!
Comments