What’s The Meaning Of Garnet?
The term “garnet” is derived from the Latin word “granatus,” which means “pomegranate,” because of its similarity to the fruit’s red color. These stones have been utilized as precious gems and abrasives since the Bronze Age. Red garnets were commonly used to embellish necklaces by ancient Egyptian pharaohs, while garnet seal rings were used in ancient Rome to stamp important documents. During the Middle Ages, red garnets were highly favored by the clergy and nobility.
Garnet combines various minerals, some of which are highly valued as gemstones. Pyrope and almandine minerals come in shades ranging from purple to red, while spessartine minerals are found in vibrant oranges and yellows. Andradite minerals are typically yellow to green, while grossular minerals have the widest range of colors, from colorless to yellow, reddish-orange, orangy red, and strong, lively green. Almandine Garnet is the most popular garnet used in fine jewelry, known for its classic red hue. Tsavorite garnet is a stunning bright green that adds a modern touch to jewelry designs. Rhodolite is a pinkish-purple variety that can also extend to beautiful raspberry tones.
The garnet family comprises some lesser-known stones such as Pyrope garnet, which can change shades, and Andradite and Uvarovite, both of which are green types of garnet. This indicates that garnet offers a wide range of colors, from pinkish purples to vibrant greens, providing numerous options for birthstone hues. Consequently, there are endless possibilities for designing various pieces of jewelry.