Pyrope garnet is a stone that is considered a symbol of passionate love and a family talisman. Since ancient times, it has been believed that it endows women with magical attractiveness, and the stronger sex with masculine strength. In regions where there are deposits of such minerals, dark red stones were considered a mandatory part of national costumes.
Origin of the name pyrope
The modern name of the precious mineral was officially assigned to it only in the 18th century. But red crystals were called pyropes back in the days of ancient Hellas. In ancient Greek, this word means “like fire.” Arab merchants who brought blood-red stones to the countries of the Middle East called them lalas. This name applied to all transparent ruby minerals. Under this name, red pyropes were also common in Rus' in the Middle Ages.
The second name under which you can find pyrope stone in jewelry stores is Bohemian garnet. The origin of this name is associated with the richest deposits where the mineral was mined. Czech varieties were valued throughout medieval Europe, and from there they found their way to eastern bazaars.
Therapeutic effect
The healing properties of red pomegranate are due to its color:
- The main mission of the fiery carbuncle is to maintain blood condition. The stone will increase capillary permeability and activate blood circulation.
- Daily “communication” with the stone - contemplation or wearing jewelry - is useful during recovery after surgery or a serious illness.
- Pregnant women are advised to wear a raw stone in the abdominal area one and a half to two months before giving birth.
- Rhodolite is beneficial for the psyche: it calms, makes you feel constructive, and stimulates positive life in spite of everything.
The main significance of the stone for physically healthy people is the unobtrusive adjustment of the emotional background and the general state of the nervous system.
Magic properties
Since ancient times, esotericists and magicians around the world have considered red stones to be the patrons of people passionately in love.
The magical properties attributed to pyropes are the ability to induce and inflame sexual desire. It is believed that the stones help increase libido in men and make the woman who wears them sexually attractive. Married couples attached particular importance to stones. A woman had to wear pyrope beads to preserve the well-being of the family. In peasant life, men did not wear jewelry, but the upper classes considered it necessary to include small crystals in jewelry (rings, cufflinks, tie clips, etc.) or to keep the gem closer to the workplace. Stones were included in the frames of icons and in the decoration of clergy clothing.
Representatives of the nobility also loved pyropes. Until now, the stone is considered the patron saint of businessmen and rulers: it promotes concentration, increases productivity and strengthens the qualities of a leader-organizer, and forms high self-esteem.
India and Southeast Asia are rich in especially beautiful wine pyropes. Due to the color of the stone, dark red transparent crystals were considered to correspond to the first (lower) chakra, which is responsible for the energetic connection with the universe. The work of the first Muladhara chakra determines the feeling of self-confidence, which is necessary in any creative activity, as well as the release of hidden sexual energy.
How to check a stone for naturalness
Czech garnet contains small metal elements, thanks to which the authenticity of the stones can be easily determined. To do this, pour a little water into a shallow bowl and place a small piece of foam in the middle. On top of it is a decoration made of gold or silver, which contains a garnet. Bring a magnet close to the foam; if it is a genuine stone, it will be attracted to it. It will definitely not be attracted because of gold or silver, since they do not have such properties.
The check can also be done visually. You need to take the stone in your hands and bring it to a light source: the shade of a real stone practically does not change, it shines very much.
You should not be fooled by too large stones in jewelry. They are generally not used in jewelry larger than 5mm.
Who is the pyrope stone suitable for according to their zodiac sign?
It is best to wear fire stones for people born under the signs of the same element - fire.
Pyropes are recommended for Leos, Aries and Sagittarius for awakening hidden talents, realizing desires and achievements in professional activities. Pyropes help control emotions and promote a more sober assessment of current events. For other signs, it is better to wear jewelry with pyropes in a neutral silver frame to slightly soften their stimulating effect. Signs of the Water trine (Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio) should come into contact with pyropes with caution. The powerful energy of Fire can cause anxiety in people born under these signs. But don’t be upset, if you like a product with a mineral, and you are a kind person who fundamentally tries not to harm others and not blame anyone for your problems, then only the beneficial properties of the stone will appear.
Bohemian Gem and Zodiac
Astrologers recommend wearing a carbuncle to representatives of the Fire element - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
Pisces, Scorpios, Cancers are not suitable, since people of these zodiac signs prefer peace and stability. And the Bohemian gem likes the constant boiling of passions.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | +++ |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | +++ |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | — |
| Sagittarius | +++ |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | — |
The influence on the zodiac signs of the Earth and Air elements is neutral.
Name compatibility
If the stone also corresponds to the name of its owner, it brings additional benefits. However, it is not so much the names themselves that are important, but the letters and sounds in them. The most suitable names for pyropes are:
- Maria;
- Lyudmila;
- Anton;
- Andrey.
The hard energy of crystals is softened by gentle female names with a predominance of vowel sounds, allowing the Mars mineral to show only positive qualities. For such names, pyrope becomes a talisman in love and business. Male names with a tough sound can make the owner invulnerable to the destructive power of the energy of the fire stone and help to resist the aggressiveness that the mineral transmits to the owner.
Interesting Facts
There is a lot of information not only about Czech pyropes, but also about other types of pomegranate, which will be interesting for everyone to know:
- such precious stones cannot be stolen, because they can transmit the negative energy of the previous owner and kill the new one;
- according to ancient legends, it was precisely such a stone that illuminated the path for Noah’s ark;
- in Persia, pomegranates were called “royal” and portraits of their rulers were carved on them;
- During the era of feudalism in Europe, the pomegranate was considered a symbol of love and bore the name of the “frozen flame of the human heart.”
Healing properties
Lithotherapists use bloody pyrope grenades to treat diseases of the blood and cardiovascular system. They are credited with the following properties:
- normalize and regulate blood composition;
- stabilize blood pressure if there is a tendency to jump and reduce it if there is hypertension;
- regulate arterial and venous circulation;
- tone the heart muscle and fight arrhythmia;
- normalize the functioning of the genital organs in men and women;
- excite the nervous system and have a tonic effect in cases of depression or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Female assistant
Jewelry with pyropes without frames (beads, bracelets, etc.) is considered important for maintaining women's health.
Most gynecological problems are associated with stagnation of energy at the level of the lower chakra. It is believed that this state can eliminate the impact of the stone on the human energy shell. The free flow of energy promotes easy recovery from diseases of the uterus and ovaries (fibroids, polycystic disease, etc.). The mineral is also useful for pregnant women. Its ability to facilitate childbirth, help bear a healthy baby and quickly restore strength after childbirth has made pyropes in demand among women of different classes and nationalities. European women wore stone grains in beads, bracelets or earrings. In India, it was recommended to wear stones for 3-4 hours daily at the level of the pubic symphysis (projection of the first chakra) before childbirth.
Medicinal use
Pyrope is a stone that best helps in curing diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs. Lithotherapists recommend using it for a number of pathologies that often occur in people:
- high blood pressure;
- skin diseases;
- iron deficiency anemia;
- prostration;
- small open wounds or abrasions.
You can give a pregnant woman a decoration with a Czech garnet, and then the birth will certainly end happily.
Deposits of pyrope and how it is formed in nature
Deposits of pyropes are distributed across all continents. The main method of occurrence of the mineral is plutonic activity in the bowels of the earth. Placers on the surface are formed during the destruction of igneous rocks, but they are often found in kimberlite pipes, where the mineral pyrope accompanies diamond deposits.
Photo: BASILOSAURUS Mineral Specimen Store, aliexpress.com
Unprocessed pyrope. Photo: mclewis96996, flickr.com.
Photo: DHX SW CRYSTALS Store, aliexpress.com
Modern crystal mining is carried out on the African, Eurasian and American continents. There are deposits in New Zealand and Australia. Ancient deposits where garnets were found directly on the surface or with shallow burial are located in the Czech Middle Mountains (Kutná Hora or Merunice) and the eastern Azov region (Ukraine). These regions are almost completely depleted, but pyropes of different shades and jewelry value are mined on an industrial scale:
- in Yakutia (Anabar massif);
- in the Southern Urals (Kimpersai);
- in Lesotho and Tanzania (Africa);
- in Argentina and Brazil (South America);
- in the United States in Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, California.
The pink variety of pyrope is mined on the islands of Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
Where is pyrope mined?
Garnet stone is not only mined on Czech soil. Its deposits are also famous for:
- Austria;
- Norway;
- Republic of South Africa;
- Australia;
- USA;
- Madagascar island;
- Brazil;
- Tanzania;
- Russia;
- India;
- island of Sri Lanka.
It is known that pyrope garnet, like other members of the family, is very friendly with diamond deposits, which is why in mineralogical museums there are intergrowths consisting of both garnets and diamonds. This combination looks amazingly beautiful and you can admire it for hours.
Despite the fact that places where prospectors have long been peacefully hunting for stones are found in different parts of the planet, it is Czech garnet that jewelers value above other minerals.
Physical properties
The crystals have a glassy luster and high hardness.
Ugly and small stones that have no jewelry value are used as a natural abrasive. Hardness characteristics on the Mohs scale are estimated at 7.5 units. Crystals often have a round or smoothed shape without pronounced edges. There are specimens in the form of classic crystals with clear diamond-shaped and trapezoidal edges.
Colors and varieties
There are varieties with a dark red, almost violet color of a transparent or translucent mass.
They are valued the most, and rich bloody pyropes are a little less valued. There are other colors in shades of red. Light red and pink pyropes are called rhodolites. The color is given by the impurities of manganese and chromium contained in the mass of transparent silicate. The density of the shade and the feature due to which the mineral is classified as a chameleon depend on their concentration. Depending on the lighting, red stones can take on greenish tints.
The following color varieties of jewelry are distinguished:
- rhodoliths with slightly colored massif;
- grape or wine garnet - Indian and Brazilian stones;
- Malaya - brownish light-colored varieties from the deposits of Madagascar and Southeast Asia;
- classic Czech pyropes of a dark red, ruby hue.
Pyrope garnet is a chameleon mineral
Depending on the amount of chromium salts in the crystal, some bright red stones have an alexandrite effect: the color of the crystal changes under electric or daylight. The reverse effect is observed when the crystal is irradiated by sunlight. In the depths of pink and red varieties, a play of greenish and emerald shades begins. Under artificial light, transparent pyrope takes on a red color.
Minerals look especially beautiful when illuminated by a candle flame. The solid stone is filled with wine, noble-velvety shades.
The reverse effect is highly valued in jewelry, which is why rare crystals with this property are more expensive than simple varieties of ruby shades.
Physico-chemical characteristics
The mineral pyrope is a red variety of garnet, a silicate with iron, chromium and manganese as the main impurities in the composition. Iron creates a red-orange color, chrome creates shades of purple, violet, and green.
| Formula | Mg3Al2(SiO4)3 |
| Impurity | Fe, Mn, Cr |
| Color | Blood red, orange red, purple, pink, dark red |
| Stroke color | White |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
| Hardness | 7,5 |
| Cleavage | Absent |
| Kink | uneven |
| Density | 3.65 - 3.84 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Cubic (Planaxial) |
The color can be red-brownish or burgundy to blackish. The pink variety of the gem is rhodolite garnet.
How to distinguish pyrope from fake and other stones?
The color that pyropes and Bohemian garnets have is a rather arbitrary difference. Many valuable varieties of stone can be easily confused with ruby or spinel. It is possible to determine whether a mineral does not belong to these groups only in the laboratory, based on its chemical composition.
Pyropes are often counterfeited in the Czech Republic, selling products with painted glass to tourists. This is due to the demand for Bohemian lals, which were once exported to European and Middle Eastern countries. The main difference that can be determined with the naked eye is the uneven coloring of a natural crystal. The glass is painted evenly. But sharp transitions, stripes or clumps of paint also indicate a fake. Shade transitions are difficult to detect in dark varieties.
The size of the crystal should be a concern. Natural pyrope rarely reaches several carats in size; especially large stones (more than 10 carats) are highly valued and kept in museums or private collections as rarities. They can only be purchased at jewelry auctions, and they are not supplied to the retail chain.
Authenticity can also be assessed by the weight of the crystals. Like any mineral, they are several times heavier than glass or plastic.
But the most reliable way is to have a certificate for insertion into a product or for stones without a frame. The jewelry document indicates both the weight and origin of the gemstone. If the seller, under any pretext, refuses to demonstrate the certificate, then it is better to refrain from purchasing.
From the history of stone
These grenades have been called “pyropes” since ancient times. If you translate this word from Greek, it will mean “frozen fire.” Due to its red color, pyrope garnet was most often associated with fire. There is a legend that when Prometheus brought fire to people, several flashes fell to the ground and turned into wonderful garnet crystals, which gave rise to the first deposits.
The Czech Republic is traditionally considered to be the country where the most beautiful pyropes have been mined since ancient times. It was from the Bohemian mines that Czech pomegranate came en masse to all European markets. Ancient medieval jewelry began to be made from them in the 10th-11th centuries AD. There are several descriptions of medieval chroniclers dedicated to these stones. According to the chronicles, all garnets from the Czech Republic were dark red, and in certain lighting they even seemed black. Inside the mineral, which had the darkest color, a bright red light always flickered.
The flourishing of jewelry was observed in Prague under King Rudolf II. It was in this city that the main European center was founded, where the best jewelers processed pyropes. Basically, these were craftsmen from the Czech Republic and Austria, who took a responsible approach to their work and kept strict records of valuable minerals and their quality.
The Czech garnet is a traditional museum exhibit. There are several unique specimens in different museums. The small towns of Hradec Kralov and Trebnitz are famous for their museums, where several of these garnets are exhibited. The largest museum, the National Museum, is located in Prague, but the largest fiery red pyrope is kept in the Trebnitsa. Its weight is more than 460 carats, and its size can be compared to a dove's egg.
About jewelry with pyrope stone
Small crystals are often cut into cabochons - round inserts with a hemispherical surface.
Sometimes they also make plates with a flat top edge: these are often included in men's jewelry. When cutting dark-colored varieties, the technique of reducing the thickness of the insert in the central part is often used. To do this, the master selects a part of the crystal body from the inside out. For even better transmission of light, a mirror metal plate is placed under the insert. Light varieties are sometimes cut like rubies. Beads may contain naturally shaped stones with highly smoothed edges.
Photo: Denise Miller, flickr.com.
Photo: castor mateu, flickr.com.
Photo: aquiles cuanda, flickr.com.
Photo: Dan Hausel, flickr.com.
Photo: Dan Hausel, flickr.com.
Cost and recommendations for purchasing jewelry with pyrope
Modern products have a relatively low cost due to the use of not very valuable small pyropes. If the product does not include more expensive inserts, then its average price can range from $50-250. At the same time, 1 carat of the mineral costs $5-30, depending on the purity of color and coloring characteristics.
Antique items can be purchased at auctions, and their value is determined depending on demand. But most historically valuable items are kept in museums.
You should only buy products with pyropes in specialized stores. To avoid purchasing a fake, it is recommended to ask for a certificate or sales receipt for the insert.
How to wear and care?
If a product made from pyropes is worn for medicinal or magical purposes, it is better to ensure contact of the crystal with the skin of the owner.
The best choice for women would be a necklace or bracelet, a pendant without a frame or with a minimum of metal. Direct contact will ensure stronger interaction of the stone with the owner’s biofield. Men can buy a bracelet made from pyrope grains or include them in products that are often held in their hands (for example, a keychain). Rings with a window frame under the crystal are also suitable.
When worn, dust accumulates on the surface of the stone. You can remove dirt with a soft cloth by wiping each grain. You can also wash the stones with warm soapy water 1-2 times a year. After this, they are rinsed under a stream of clean tap water.
So, we found out that pyrope stone can not only emphasize the beauty of women, but also empower men. According to the horoscope, the mineral is close to fiery Leo, Aries and Sagittarius, but caution should be exercised when using the gem for water signs: Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio. However, if you have become attached to the product, and you are a kind person or try to be one, then wear pyrope for your health!
Production of garnet jewelry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The popularity of Czech pyropes increased sharply after the Congress of Vienna in 1815, which was attended by the Russian Empress, who wore a beautiful set of such stones. In the 19th century, interest in garnets led to the emergence of numerous workshops and the creation of a jewelry school in the city of Turnov in 1884. Jewelry created by local craftsmen was a great success in the Czech Republic and abroad and was demonstrated at world exhibitions. They were exported to Russia, France, Italy, Spain and Eastern countries. According to historical data, Prince Rudolf of Habsburg gave a garnet necklace to his sister, ex-Duchess Gisela.
The largest collection of antique items made from Czech garnet is collected in the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Prague and in the Moravian Gallery in Brno.
The cooperative enterprise "Granat", which owns the trade name and brand, was founded in 1953 in Turnov after the merger of small small firms. It currently employs 260 jewelers and other employees. The cooperative solely owns the right to extract pyropes in the country and the trademark “Czech Garnet” (Turnov).
Properties of pomegranate - useful and not so
Does pomegranate have beneficial properties or maybe even magical ones? After all, it is considered one of the most amazing and mystical stones on earth. There are many legends about him, there are various beliefs. Are they true? Who knows…
It is believed that a pomegranate handed down by inheritance will immediately become a good talisman for its new owner. A newly purchased stone will gain strength in a few years, as soon as it gets used to its owner.
By the way, it is better to avoid antique stores when purchasing this stone.
Garnet always remembers the energy of its former owner. Therefore, it is better not to take risks. But a stolen stone can even kill its owner.
Pomegranate is a symbol of love. This means that earrings with this stone can be a great gift for your beloved woman. In addition, pomegranate gives optimism and vigor. The stone protects against nightmares, heals the heart, strengthens memory, and also has the ability to ward off evil spirits. Legends say that a person wearing a pomegranate gains power over those around him.
The stone is not recommended for children, as well as people striving for a quiet life. The fact is that pomegranate awakens passions in a person, requires active action and releases emotions. And this, whatever one may say, is magic!
Cost and where to buy
The price directly depends on the quality, color and method of processing the gemstone. The most expensive is the pink stone.
Jewelry made with inserts of small minerals has a low cost. The average cost of jewelry depends on the design, the number of cut stones and varies approximately from 1.5 to 2 thousand rubles. In specialized stores, such a product can cost from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles.
Pyrope is considered an inexpensive stone, so finding a fake on the jewelry market is rare.
Bohemian crystals sold in tourist places in the Czech Republic are mainly of synthetic origin. The deposits of this region have already been depleted, for this reason natural minerals are becoming rare in this place.
Tips for buying pomegranates in the Czech Republic
In order to purchase Czech garnet jewelry in silver or gold in Prague, you need to know some of the features of this natural stone:
- The color of the original pyrope is burgundy, the shape resembles pomegranate seeds;
- the size of stones in jewelry is 3-5 mm, and if the numbers are large, most likely they are fake;
- the seller is required to present a certificate for a natural gemstone printed on pink paper;
- You can visually count the number of edges on the inspected grenade: fake ones have only 12, while real ones have 56. This difference can also be distinguished by external inspection.
Czech garnet is one of the most beautiful and rare minerals in the world. Products made from it are lower in price than expensive jewelry made from precious stones, so purchasing real pyropes in the Czech Republic is considered a great success, because they will bring good luck and love to their owner.
Pomegranate jewelry – what’s remarkable about it
Due to its small size, Czech garnet can be combined with almost all types of jewelry. It can be:
- earrings;
- rings;
- bracelets;
- beads;
- pendants, etc.
The stone looks elegant in combination with other garnets and even small diamonds in a gold or platinum frame. The combination of garnet with African almandine is considered successful. In the museum in Prague you can see a unique product - a garnet necklace by composer B. Smetana, which he once gave to his wife.
