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Etymology
The word "garnet" means "the grainy one," having come from the Latin word "granum," meaning "grain." Because red garnet's color resembles that of pomegranate seeds, the word "garnet" also be related to the Latin word "granatum," which means "having many seeds" and is where the word "pomegranate" comes from.
Scientific Meaning
Garnets rate 7 to 7.5 on the 10-place Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of gems and rocks. They also have a high refractive index, which accounts for their brilliance and reflectivity.
Mythology
It is said that Noah used the brilliance of a red garnet to steer his ark through the flood at night. Other early explorers and travelers carried garnets as protective talismans, as they were believed to be a source of light and luck.