ABOUT

Garnet

Garnets are a set of closely related minerals forming a group, with gemstones in almost every color.

 

The distinctive title Garnet is derived from the Latin name Granatum, a pomegranate, because of the resemblance the granular varieties of Garnet bears to the seeds of that fruit. Garnets vary in size from a grain of sand to the size of an apple.

 

Garnets were used in the former Czechoslovakia as far back as the Bronze Age, and in Egypt more than five thousand years ago. They were used in Sumeria around 2100 B.C. and in Sweden between 1000 and 2000 B.C. They were also popular in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. According to the Talmud, the only light on Noah’s ark was provided by a large Garnet. In Europe during the Middle Ages, Garnet was used to enhance truth, faith and constancy, and to dispel melancholy. [Simmons, 165-166]

Why we love this gemstone

GEMOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

Figuring out how each new gem garnet fits into the six main mineral species is a challenge for gemologists.

HORSETAIL INCLUSIONS

Horsetail inclusions in green demantoid garnet are one of the few internal features that increase a gem’s value.

FIRE

Due to demantoid garnet’s high dispersion, well-cut, fashioned gems display an amazing amount of fire.

AVAILABLE IN WILD ROX SHOP