Punica Granatum ("pomegranate") & Garnet
a history of garnets
The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word granatus (“gran”) in reference to the Punica Granatum (“pomegranate”) a plant with red seeds similar in shape and color to garnet crystals. Garnet dates back to the Bronze Age and, due to is beauty and durability; it has been popular in both ancient and modern times.
In a tradition beckoning from Greek mythology, Garnet is often given as a gift of love and one that is associated with eternity. As such it is sometimes used as a symbol of trust, devotion and loyalty. In Greek mythology Hades gave pomegranate seeds to Persephone to ensure her return. This tale has led people to use the gift of garnet jewelery as a token to ensure the return of a loved one.
The garnet is actually a name for a group of silicate minerals that offer a wide range of deep colors. Garnet comes in almost every color, except blue. Below are the names of particular types of garnets and their respective color.
- Almandite – red, orange-red with brown, purple-red
- Andradite – black, green, yellow
- Demantoid – green, yellow-green
- Grossularite – brown, green, orange-yellow, white, yellow
- Hessonite – range of orange to brown
- Malaya – orange, red-orange, yellow-orange
- Melanite – black
- Pyrope – red, orange-red, purple-red; all quite dark
- Rhodolite – purple, red-purple
- Spessarite – orange-brown, red-orange, yellow, yellow-brown
- Mandarin – vibrant orange
- Tsavorite – bright, dark green
- Uvarovite – range of greens
All of these types of garnets share similar chemical and structural properties.
Garnets are produced all over the world. From The U.S. (Arizona), South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, Argentina, Australia, Scotland, Switzerland and Tanzania – this stunning gem is found in many locals.
This Valentine’s Day give the gift of a garnet…from kara | daniel!
