About Garnet
History and Folklore
Garnet's name might derive from the Latin word granatus, meaning grain; or from the word punica granatum (pomegranate) because red seeds appear similar to garnet crystals. Some believe the name came from the middle English word gernet, meaning dark red. Its history in jewelry can be traced from the ancient Egyptians to the Greek and Roman empires.
Facts and Information
Garnet is the birthstone for January. Garnet is broken down into several groups. The main groups are: Pyrope - dark reddish-orange to dark red and purple - red Almandite - red to orangish red. purplish red to redish purple. usually darker color Spessartlte - reddish-orange to yellow-orange Rhodolite - light purplish to darker purplish red Grossularite - yellowish green Tsavorlte - light to darker green Hessonite - yellowish orange to brownish orange
Major Sources
Identification and Characteristics
- R.I.: 1.67 - 1.958
- Hardness: 7.5 - 8 (depending on type)
- S.G.: 3.15 - 4.20
Cleaning Methods
- Safe In warm, soapy water
- Never use in steamer
- Usually safe in ultrasonic
