Garnet is said to be the stone of romantic love and passion, enhancing sensuality,
sexuality, and intimacy. It is said to awaken creativity, positive energy, and self-confidence,
and can bring success to one's career or business. Garnets have been thought to
treat infectious diseases, blood poisoning, and heart and lung diseases. It is also
a protective stone which is effective for protection from evil and nightmares and
one that can be used for spiritual healing. Whilst Garnet is primarily associated
with the root chakra, it is effective at opening ither chakras depending upon the
color of the stone in question.
Availability:
Due to an amazing string of discoveries throughout the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries, Garnet has become a widely available gemstone.
Sources:
There are known Garnet deposits in Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada,
Finland, India, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Russia, Scotland, Sri Lanka (Ceylon),
Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho,
New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia).
Evaluation:
Garnet is rated at 6.5-7.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, making it durable and
resistant to everyday wear and tear. The Garnet is a popular gemstone choice the
world over because it is a natural, untreated gemstone that is generally affordable.
Whilst the red colors are generally priced so as to be accessible to all, some green
varieties of Garnet can fetch thousands of dollars per carat.
Garnet is most commonly found in shades of red, but can actually
be found in every color of the spectrum, except pure blue. Because Garnet is such a diversified gemstone
family and in plentiful supply, the Garnet can easily adapt to any new fashion or
color trend and can complement everyone's personal style.
Common Cuts:
Garnet is usually cut
into the shape / cut that will show the least amount of color
darkness. The shapes most effective for doing this are Cabochons, Cushion, Oval
and Round.
Routine Enhancements:
There are no known treatments for Garnet.
Care & Cleaning:
A Garnet can be cleaned
using warm,
soapy water and a soft brush. An ultrasonic
cleaner is safe for most Garnets but not for all, so should be used with caution.
Garnet should be kept away from chemicals that will cause it to erode such as hydrofluoric
acid. Garnet should also be kept away from drastic temperature changes as this may cause fracturing.
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