Garnet Description

One of the oldest known gemstones on the planet, the history of the garnet dates to the Bronze Age more than 5,000 years ago.  Its name was derived from the Latin word “Granatium”, which means pomegranate due to its tiny red crystals which were thought to resemble pomegranate seeds.  It is also known as the “stone of commitment” and “pomegranate stone”.   Since ancient times the garnet’s traditional red color has been associated with the heart and the blood.  It is believed that garnets harness the power to alleviate melancholy and inspire love, and the garnet is also known for its energizing and regenerative properties.  Garnet is an amazing stone to help in times of strife and trauma, when there seems to be no way out.  It helps to activate a survival instinct giving hope, courage, and strength in situations that may seem to be hopeless.  Under the influence of garnet, these types of situations turn into a challenge rather than a doomed sentence and allow us to be able to act with strength and work through them.  

Although garnets are mostly thought of as red, the garnet can come in a variety of colors including green, pink, orange, yellow, brown, clear, peach, or black, and is found around the world.  While garnets are plentiful, green, peach, and clear are the rarest of garnet colors.

Garnets are truly magical stones plentiful in their healing properties while also amplifying the effects of other crystals.  Worn in jewelry, or placed in the home or office, garnet can bring a boost of affirmation, and bravery and is a stone of positive transformation.  It is also commonly used in Feng Shui and Reiki healing practices.  Garnets are also known as a great stone for travelers and are often exchanged between friends and loved ones due to separation.  The stone is said to protect and guard during travel and ensure the safe return of a friend or loved one. 

History

Archeologists have discovered garnet necklaces, artwork, carvings, and talismans from ancient Egyptian tombs and mummies.  Egyptian Pharaohs were known to have adorned themselves with necklaces and other body ornaments as the garnet was thought to be a symbol of life and good health.

Garnets were also highly valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans.  They were known to use the gem in an array of jewelry pieces and various other items.  Their signet rings also contained garnets to help seal valuable documents as the garnet was believed to have the power to shield and protect.  This belief transcended into many other cultures and was widespread.  Saxon and Celtic kings desired the gem for this reason and used it in jewelry due to its protective power.  The Native Americans also believed this and thought it to guard against injury and poisoning.

In Judeo-Christian accounts, King Solomon wore the garnet into battle.  During the Crusades, Christian and Muslim warriors also were adorned with the gem. 

The stone grew a powerful and well-known reputation and was often given as gifts and worn by royalty in numerous cultures throughout Europe and Asia.  The garnet's color and inner “fire” were thought to awaken a person’s life force, creative energy, and spirit.  In Europe during the Middle Ages, clergy coveted the garnet and thought of it as a symbol of Christ’s blood and sacrifice.

Metaphysical Properties 

·         Cleanses and Re-Energizes the Chakras.

·         Revitalizes, Purifies and Balances

·         Energy

·         Inspires Love and Devotion

·         Alleviates Emotional Disharmony

·         Balances the Sex Drive and Aides in Sexual Potency

·         Helpful in Times of Crisis or Trauma

·         Stimulates Awareness and Creativity

·         Helps in Past Life Recall

·         Sharpens Perceptions of the Self and Others

·         Promotes a Positive Outlook.

·         Bestows Self-Confidence and Removes Inhibitions.

·         Stimulates Creativity 

Physical Healing

·         Regenerates the Body

·         Treats Cellular and Spinal Disorders

·         Assists in the Absorption of Vitamins and Minerals

·         Regenerates DNA

·         Stimulates Metabolism

·         Purifies and Re-Energizes the Blood, Heart and Lungs

·         Eliminates Toxins 

Chakras 

·         Root

·         Solar Plexus

·         Heart