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Characteristics
Garnets are composed mostly of calcium or aluminum silicate. There are about 10 gemstones in this group. On the Mohs scale of hardness, garnets rate 7 to 7.5, which makes them fine candidates for jewelry.
History
It's said Noah used a garnet lantern during the ark's journey through the rainy gloom. Eastern Europeans used the stones to ward off vampires. The Crusaders wore them as protective amulets. During the Victorian era, garnets were given as gifts to symbolize lasting friendship.
Varieties
The most common of the red garnets is the pyrope, the small, deep red gems used mostly in jewelry. They are found in Africa, Brazil, the Czech Republic and the United States. The larger red stones (almandines) hail from India, Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic. Orange garnets (spessarites) are also known as "mandarin garnets" and hail from Nigeria. Green varieties (grossularites and tsavolites) come from Namibia.
Healing Properties
Red garnets are useful for improving blood circulation, especially to cold hands and feet. They can help to increase the growth of antibodies.
Metaphysical Properties
Garnets help protect valuables--and not just material ones. Wear garnets if you are uncomfortable in crowded places to bolster courage. Garnets are also helpful in overcoming writer's block and increasing creativity.