One glance at the deep red seeds nestled inside of a
pomegranate fruit explains why the word "garnet" comes from the Latin
word "granatus," meaning "grain" or "seed."
This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent
pomegranate seed. But don't bite into a garnet, because at Moh's hardness
6.5 to 7.5, it will definitely damage the teeth!
There are many myths and legends surrounding the
garnet. One Biblical legend is that Noah hung this gem on the ark to
light his way through the dark and stormy nights of God's wrath. A Greek
myth linked to the garnet is the story of the young goddess of sunshine,
Persephone, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually
released Persephone, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds,
which guaranteed her return to him.
First mined in Sri Lanka over 2,500 years ago, the garnet
is also found in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America; and in the
United States, in Arizona and Idaho. Although most commonly known as a
red gemstone, the garnet comes in a variety of other hues, including muted
yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets—a virtual
bouquet of colors. This diversity is due to unique combinations of
elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium, and
manganese.
Archaeologist findings of primitive style garnet jewelry
among the graves of lake dwellers dates the early use of this gemstone to the
Bronze age. But not all garnet is of gem quality. It is also
a very effective abrasive and is used commercially for grinding and
polishing. Garnet coated sandpaper is one such industrial
use.
The garnet continues to be the protective gem of
journeyers. A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire
for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. It is January's
birthstone, but far from being only a winter gem, the garnet, with its
brilliance and multitude of colors, is truly one for any season.
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