The existence of this magnificent mineral has been known since ancient civilizations. Garnet is a stone that imparts mystery and charm, which is why women love to wear it.
However, having decided to buy a stone, you need to find out its compatibility with your zodiac sign, since incompatibility can have a negative impact on the owner’s character.
Story
Garnet was recognized as a precious stone only in the 17th century .
Before that, it was valued mainly for its healing powers. Scientists learned that these minerals are not only red by the beginning of the Renaissance.
"Granatos" means "grain-like." This is what the alchemist Magnus named it in 1270 , who noticed the similarity of the stones with the grains of the “Phoenician apple”. Specimens of the mineral are small - usually no more than one carat.
In general, over the millennia, this gem has received different names:
- in Ancient Greece - “anthrax” (or “anfrax”), that is, “coal”;
- in Ancient Rome - “corbuncle”;
- in Rus' - “bechet”, “venisa”, “worm-eater”, “worm-like yacht”.
Areas of use
The most common area of application for garnet is electronics. As soon as this type of gem was found, it immediately began to be used as a ferromagnet. He found a place in many enterprises, playing the role of a laser on installations.
Minerals, in which the amount of metals predominates, is used for the manufacture of abrasive skins and grinding wheels.
An equally common area of use is the jewelry industry. Such precious stones complement products made of gold and silver. They make beautiful rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings.
Some clients order interior items (boxes, piggy banks and figurines) to which this material is added.
Varieties
The main feature of classic garnets is the red color of all shades.
These minerals are not completely transparent; a slight haze is visible in them. The color of some specimens is purple, black, greenish.
Pomegranate has 14 varieties , the most common of which are:
- pyrope - dark red;
- almandine - red, brown, there are purple samples;
- spessartine - orange, pink, yellowish-brown;
- grossular (the name is translated from Latin as “gooseberry”) - greenish-brown or light green;
- uvarovite - emerald color, very rare;
- hessonite - the color resembles honey;
- andradite - yellow, greenish, red;
- melanite - black (this is a type of andradite);
- leucogranate is a transparent mineral (more used in industry).
Garnet of “unusual” color is not easy to distinguish from other gems. This can only be determined with the help of laboratory methods.
Historical reference
Already by the beginning of the 16th century, several varieties of garnets were distinguished in Russia, and until the 19th century, two main names were assigned to them: “bechet” and “garnet,” which they tried to correctly identify and separate from other, more expensive varieties of red transparent gems. The “Trading Book” directly warned merchants: “Do not buy bechet for lal. The nobility is drawn to the color: it’s like bubbles.” Or here’s another recommendation from the same “Trading Book”: “And take care that they don’t sell you wine for lal; and the vinisa stone is red, and its color is liquid.”
Here both varieties of garnet are mentioned in contrast to lalu, which in those days was the name given to red noble spinel, a stone rarer and more expensive than pyropes or almandines.
Sasanian intaglio made of garnet - with a portrait of the Shah and a Pahlavi inscription: “Mazdean lord Shapur, Shahinshah of Eran.”
The word “venisa” (or vinisa) mentioned several times above comes from a distorted (Russified) Persian “benefse”, which means purple. Even Al-Biruni in his “Mineralogy” more than once noticed that the red color of garnets is not without a violet (lilac) tint. And in fact, under different lighting conditions, the color can change from fiery red to almost purple.
As for “bechet” (or becheta), its name goes back to the Arabic name for almandine garnets - “bijazi”. At one time, the medieval scholastic scholar Albertus Magnus, at his own discretion, translated the Arabic word “bijazi” into learned Latin as “granatus,” in other words, grainy. Thus, he emphasized the characteristic feature of natural garnetites. Their red (or not red) fused crystals often resemble juicy pomegranate fruits. The same “trading book” said: “... when a stone sweeps, it cheers up the heart and drives away sadness and inappropriate thoughts, increases reason and honor...”
Under the unifying name of “worm-like yacht” in Rus', a variety of (transparent) red stones were known: among them there was a real oriental ruby, and garnets of all stripes, and there was also Ceylon hyacinth (a brown variety of zircon, which was called iocinthos).
Starting from the 16th century, the bloody Bohemian garnet also came to Rus', which, according to Boethius de Boot, the author of a famous work on stones (1609), was formed from frozen water drops, colored with bloody vapors. Red noble spinel under the name Lala was also in great use among our ancestors, who did not mix this stone with yakhont.
Lomonosov also warned that red gems can be born in the depths not only in the hot south or the shores of the Indian Ocean, but also in the cold north of Russia, in particular, in the homeland of Lomonosov himself.
Less than a hundred years had passed before his predictions came true brilliantly. Already in 1805, the famous Russian mineralogist Vasily Mikhailovich Severgin, describing cherry “Kidel garnets” (almandine garnets) in his works, noted that they (carried out by the waves) were very often collected by local children along the shores of Lake Ladoga.
The Kola Peninsula is also very rich in almandines. In particular, Academician Fersman writes that in 1920, in quarries near Murmansk, he himself had the opportunity to discover fairly pure, although light-colored, samples of almandines.
Medicinal properties
Red garnets (almandine and pyrope) have been known to people since ancient times. They are credited with healing qualities, while grossular has fewer of them.
The main healing property of pomegranate corresponds to the ancient rule of magicians - like affects like . This means that the red mineral rules over the blood :
- can stop bleeding from a wound;
- helps rapid tissue restoration;
- makes blood pressure normal.
It is believed that whoever wears this stone set in gold will be protected from pulmonary diseases.
Pomegranate is of great importance for a person if the immune system is weakened. In this case, a gem set in silver will help - the risk of contracting infectious diseases will decrease.
To get rid of frequent migraine attacks, lithotherapists advise wearing a gold ring with this stone on the middle finger of your right hand.
Pomegranate helps relieve stress and illness, giving the owner good health.
It has also found application in official medicine. Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) single crystals are the main component of lasers used to perform surgeries and treat some cancers. After the operation, the garnet laser seals the cutting plane, so not a drop of liquid penetrates into the wound. Moreover, he also disinfects the wound.
Jewelry setting
Precious or semi-precious garnet is equally good in the same frame - gold of all shades or silver. What to choose depends on personal preferences, financial status and occasion.
Gold
Any garnet gold jewelry is chic and seductive. Large stones are used for it. The brightness of both components – the stone and the frame – does not prevent the product from being moderately austere and mysterious.
Red garnet, like no other, suits respectable ladies, status people and business women. That is, strong and passionate natures. The diamond frame adds luxury to the stone.
Such products are ideal with a red evening outfit, but it can be black, white, brown, pink. A beige or golden tone of the wardrobe is suitable, yellow or orange are excluded. Gold garnet products are appropriate for festive or special events, important business meetings (moderate decor).
Garnet in gold is preferred by accomplished, passionate, internally strong people. Or those who want to become one.
Silver
A silver frame is chosen if you want to draw attention to the stone. Bright garnet becomes the base, delicate silver delicately sets it off. A stone of any color looks good in a neutral silver frame.
To make the composition of a ring or bracelet more lively, garnet jewelry is provided with a scattering of small stones (usually cubic zirconia).
This is a suitable addition to clothes of different styles, from business to romantic. A green stone in silver is suitable for a person of any age, including youth.
For the office, two items are enough, for example, earrings plus a ring. For an evening out, it is appropriate to add a bracelet made of precious stones.
Delicately beautiful silver items with garnet never go out of style. Such a set as a gift is the best expression of sincere love.
Magic properties
Esotericists are convinced that a pomegranate can influence the life of its owner. They believe that if, after you got this stone, you notice a loss of strength, it means there is no compatibility with it and it is better not to wear it . If the gem was previously the property of another person, perhaps your incompatibility with it stems from the fact that it was not energetically cleaned (that is, it was not held under cold running water).
It is also important to listen to your heart before buying a stone - whether it is right for you. If this is so, then the magical properties of the crystal will help in many ways:
- fill you with energy, give you strength for good deeds and accomplishments;
- if you have a creative streak (no matter what your profession), the stone will help it develop in your activities;
- red pomegranate helps to find love and maintain fidelity;
- green gives women the gift of foresight.
The main thing to always remember:
Garnet loves a fair fight, not intrigue and fraud. The owner must prevent evil deeds and thoughts, constantly improve, having a clear goal in front of him.
If this is not the case, then the gem is unlikely to help you.
Particular impact on women
Garnet for Scorpio , as stated in the book “Talismans and Fates,” is a talisman stone for pregnant women, gives them strength and promotes a favorable birth.
The garnet stone for the Sagittarius serves as a talisman against adversity: accidents, natural disasters, the evil eye, and even protects against love spells. The talisman promotes career growth, improves relationships in the team, and helps win the favor of management. This will bring recognition and power.
Garnet for Libra is a stone of love and strength of marital ties. If you give your beloved a red crystal, then even after breaking up you will meet again.
For a woman born under the sign of Aries , a garnet stone will speed up a meeting with the right man or strengthen marriage relationships. With this mineral it will be easier to be in harmony with yourself.
Garnet is also a talisman stone for Capricorns, which serves as an assistant in love relationships, maintains family harmony and attracts the attention of men.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
When choosing a stone according to your horoscope, pay attention not only to your zodiac sign, but also to your character traits. You should choose a gem after you have studied the characteristics of your zodiac sign, determined your advantages, disadvantages, as well as the expected effect of this stone on them.
Almandine and pyrope are suitable for Aries, Leo, Sagittarius (although it must be taken into account that it can increase their impulsiveness). But they form the best alliance with Capricorn.
Grossular is a very peaceful stone, suitable for all signs. But, unfortunately, it is not very strong, unlike scarlet garnets.
Impact on zodiac signs:
- Aries. Although the garnet is suitable for assertive representatives of the sign, it should not be worn constantly, so as not to increase temperament and anger, the consequences of which will harm Aries himself. If you follow this advice, the stone will help such a person become more tolerant, softer, and relieve him of unjustified suspicion. Having improved his character, a person will find reliable friends and true love.
- Twins. This stone helps to develop and improve. For those of them who are fickle in their passions, moods, and who adore change, it will give them a desire for constancy, thereby harmonizing the owner’s personality. Excessive impulsiveness and the tendency to get into arguments will be moderated.
- A lion. At the beginning of wearing the crystal, its energetic power can increase Leo's temper. Over time, their relationship will become more harmonious, which will have a positive effect on the owner’s character.
- Virgo will become more emotional, this will allow her to experience high feelings. The character of such a person will become more harmonious: rationality and emotionality will be balanced. The habit of getting irritated by little things will go away, and tolerance for other people's shortcomings will appear.
- Scales. The dark red garnet is of most importance to them. It gives fire energy, self-confidence, and will help in determining the right path in life. A green stone will also be useful.
- Scorpion. A blood-red gem can pacify his contradictory nature; he will direct Scorpio’s natural energy and passion to new achievements, especially in science. A person will have more self-control and willpower, which will contribute to achieving success in life, as well as harmony and love in his environment.
- Sagittarius. Amulets made from this mineral help people of this sign stop acting rashly, become wiser, and more tolerant of other people's opinions.
- Capricorn. For representatives of this zodiac sign, garnet is a lucky stone: it gives energy, promotes professional growth (which is very important for Capricorns), imparts sociability, and helps to find new friends. A person will become less irritated by failures and will move more persistently towards his goals.
- Aquarius. These people have a somewhat contradictory character, their mood can change often. A green specimen (uvarovite or grossular) will help you become constant in your passions and concentrate on achieving an important goal. For dreamy individuals who are constantly in dreams, the gem will help them appreciate real life. The magnetic power of Aquarius, the ability to attract people to your side, will also increase.
- For Pisces and Cancer , the gem will not be useful, because its energy does not at all correspond to their character, habit of doubt and contemplation. Garnet will constantly encourage them to take action, move forward, such constant pushing and coercion creates severe discomfort, since Pisces value their independence, and Cancer is characterized by caution. Pisces can pay attention to amethyst, opal, rose quartz, jasper, and Cancer - to emerald, pearl, agate, cat's eye, alexandrite. Suitable for both of these signs: moonstone, labradorite, spinel.
- Taurus has poor compatibility with pomegranate. If he wears talismans and amulets made from this mineral, material difficulties and other troubles may arise. The dynamic energy of the crystal is not suitable for Taurus. Agate, rose quartz, spinel, labradorite, malachite, and carnelian can be a good talisman or amulet for Taurus.
Where is the gem mined?
Today, garnets include not only scarlet minerals, but also stones of other shades. We will mention this later. First, a little about where the gem is mined, its physical and chemical properties.
Garnet deposits are found all over the world, including many in Russia. It is believed that the richest deposits are concentrated on the Kola Peninsula. In Karelia there is the famous Kitelskoye almandine deposit. But the red-violet exquisite garnet was given to us by the generous Karelian Shueretskoe deposit.
There are also many rich deposits in hot countries, Madagascar and Brazil, as well as in Canada and Finland. Such geographical dispersion could not but affect the “assortment” of stones. After all, each environment leaves its own mark on minerals. The more varied and rich their shades are.
Placers of garnets are not as numerous as their “underground treasures,” so their main extraction occurs through rock drilling.
Compatibility with other stones
It is impossible to say unambiguously whether garnet is compatible with other minerals, because it has many types that are influenced by different elements.
Well compatible with all varieties:
- amethyst;
- diamond;
- heliolite;
- rhinestone;
- golden beryl;
- corals;
- pyrite;
- ruby;
- cornelian;
- topaz.
In jewelry, it is recommended to avoid combinations of garnet with the following minerals:
- aquamarine;
- alexandrite;
- pearls;
- emerald;
- moonstone;
- opal;
- tourmaline;
- zircon.
Use with caution with:
- agate;
- turquoise;
- malachite;
- morion;
- obsidian;
- onyx;
- chalcedony;
- jasper.
Other opaque gems are also not suitable for garnet.
Read also: Lepidolite - a stone that protects from dangers
Pomegranate decorations
Garnet is a gem with character. It is not suitable for everyone, but if it does, it will become a talisman and assistant for many years. The talisman ring of Alexander the Great was inlaid with a red bloody stone. He and his warriors believed that this crystal could protect against wounds in battle.
Natural pomegranate is very diverse. It has many species, similar in their physical characteristics, but differing in chemical composition. These differences affect the shade of the mineral. Classification by color identifies:
- pyropes and almandines - deep red minerals, which most often appear in the form of a “classic” garnet;
- spessartine - stones of yellow-brown, pink and light red hue;
- andradite is a crystal with a characteristic yellow, greenish-brown and red color;
- demantoid - a rare emerald green garnet;
- Hessonite is a stone of an unusual honey-yellow hue.
Most often, pyropes are used for inlaying jewelry. No less popular are hessonites, which can be purchased at a very reasonable price. Jewelry with large demantoid is more expensive due to its rarity: from 47 to 63 thousand rubles per carat.
Interesting! According to one legend, grenades are drops of Prometheus’s blood that fell to the ground during his punishment.
Cut
The most ancient type of cut used for this mineral is the cabochon. This type of processing made the pomegranate look like a frozen drop of blood. Modern jewelers prefer more diverse options:
- “Emerald” is a stepped type of cutting, suitable for large transparent minerals. Gives a rectangular shape and provides spectacular flashes of light.
- “Heart” is the ideal cut for a blood-colored stone. This is a complex processing method that affects the final cost of the stone.
- “Octagon” is another type of stepwise processing, after which the light reflections are qualitatively increased.
Be sure to see: All about jewelry with emeralds
Garnets can also be cut in the following types: Square, Oval, Diamond, Pear, Trilliant and Marquise.
Gem compatibility
Most often in jewelry, the mineral is found as a single large specimen, as a group of crystals of the same shade, as well as a scattering of multi-colored types of garnet or in combination with other gems.
The most successful combinations of grenades are with:
- diamonds;
- rubies;
- corals;
- pyrites;
- topaz;
- carnelian;
- amethyst;
- cubic zirconias;
- golden beryl.
Interesting! Red pyropes and honey hessonites look impressive in one piece. You should not combine burgundy species with green ones (olivine and demantoid).
The classic red garnet clashes with:
- emerald;
- opal;
- tourmaline;
- pearls;
- aquamarine;
- alexandrite.
This is connected not only with the aesthetic side, but also with esotericism, according to which pomegranate belongs to the element of Fire, and all of the above types belong to the element of Water.
Bohemian stones
The Czech or Bohemian garnet is recognized as one of the most valuable in the world. The chemical composition of Czech gems and special processing technology make it possible to create amazingly beautiful stones that, in the sun, amaze with their richness of fiery red flashes.
Stones from this region are informally called "flaming". They belong to luxury jewelry materials and are a national treasure of the country.
Garnet stone.
Properties of pomegranate. Description of garnet Garnet According to its composition, six types of garnet are distinguished: fiery red... Published by Natalya Svetlova Sunday, August 12, 2018
Men's range
In ancient times, garnet was an exclusively male stone. It was worn by generals, warriors and rulers. It was believed that it endowed the owner with courage and determination, emphasizing courage and perseverance.
Modern men can safely buy products with garnet in the form of silver cufflinks, gold rings and tie clips, and cross pendants.
Equally popular are bracelets made of rough leather with garnet inserts, as well as silver items with square-cut stones.
How to wear and care
Garnet is a desirable stone for women , and jewelry with almandine . Men prefer dark pyrope .
It is better to wear a garnet ring on the middle finger of the left hand (if the frame is silver) or the right (if gold).
When choosing jewelry, it is recommended to take into account the combination of the gem with other stones (see the previous section of the article).
Should be stored in a separate bag.
Contaminated jewelry is washed with a weak salt or soap solution; you can add two drops of ammonia to the solution. Hard sponges are not used. Wipe with a soft cloth.
Rules of care
The product should feel the attention of its owner, so it is worth keeping it clean. Do not use abrasive or chemical compounds for cleaning. It is better to use the services of jewelry workshops to clean jewelry.
Basic rules that the owner of a dark garnet amulet must take into account:
- From dust and dirt settled on the surface of the stone, its magical and healing properties are lost. When removing jewelry, you should wipe it with a regular soft cloth dipped in soapy water. If the jewelry is heavily soiled, mechanical cleaning in a workshop is necessary.
- Garnet is capable of collecting all the negativity sent to the owner, so the stone must be cleaned regularly.
- You should not take a bath with the product; the quality of the stone is lost with prolonged contact with water. For this reason, it is not recommended to use natural mineral to decorate rings.
- Exposure to direct sunlight causes the surface of the garnet to fade. It should be stored in a linen bag.
Only natural stone can work correctly, and due to its high cost, garnets are often counterfeited. You need to buy jewelry that should serve as a talisman in trusted jewelry stores, checking the certificate of conformity. If you follow certain care rules and recommendations regarding wearing the product, pomegranate will help make your life easier and happier.
How to distinguish from a fake
Although the pomegranate is not very expensive, counterfeits are still common.
Natural stone differs from a fake glass specimen in its greater hardness. But synthetic ones are sometimes even harder than natural ones.
Rules for determining the authenticity of a pomegranate:
- A real mineral becomes electrified when rubbed on wool.
- The color of natural stone is heterogeneous, while that of artificial stone is bright and even.
- If the specimens are larger than coffee beans, it is probably a fake, since in nature, pomegranates are usually smaller in size.
Description of pomegranate
Garnet is one of the most worthy rivals of ruby. They are similar both in appearance and in their physical properties (although ruby is a harder mineral). Externally, garnet looks like a transparent or translucent stone with a glassy shiny, very smooth surface.
Garnet patronizes travelers, warriors, lovers, women expecting a child, and people in difficult life situations.
Price
Garnet is a diverse mineral, it has precious and semi-precious types. The cost is not very high compared to other precious gems, so a person with average income can buy it. Although, for example, rhodolite (a type of pink pyrope) is very expensive. Well-to-do people buy jewelry with it.
The price depends on the following factors:
- variety;
- size;
- color;
- transparency;
- structure;
- cutting method and quality.
The uncut mineral is the cheapest. The price of jewelry is also affected by the metal the frame is made of. Cabochons are cheaper than jewelry.
Cabochon options:
- polished round stone;
- faceted (this is the most expensive option);
- unprocessed (cheapest).
Read also: Scapolite - a stone staff that bestows knowledge
Mineral deposits
Garnets are mined in many countries:
- Russia – Chukotka, Ural (green uvarovites), Yakutia (fiery red pyropes), Kola Peninsula.
- Germany.
- Mexico.
- Australia.
- Zambia.
- India.
- Brazil.
- Sri Lanka.
- USA.
- Other countries.
This is interesting!
In the USA, a unique variety of pomegranate is mined, called “Ant” or “Arizona”. The first name is associated with the method of extraction. Small pebbles weighing no more than 1.5 carats are carried from the depths of the earth to the surface by ordinary ants. They use them in the construction of anthills. Interestingly, it was not possible to find the “ant” pomegranate using the mine method.