Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. Garnets are known for their characteristic vitreous to resinous luster and a wide range of colors, from the deep red of Pyrope to the green of Tsavorite and the orange of Spessartine.
Garnets crystallize in the isometric system, which means they often form dodecahedrons or trapezohedrons. Their general formula is X3Y2(SiO4)3, where:
There are several species of garnet, which include:
Garnets have been used as gemstones for thousands of years. They were particularly popular in Victorian Jewelry, where they were often set in mourning jewelry due to their deep, rich colors. In ancient Egypt, garnets were used in the form of inlays in jewelry, and by the Romans, they were used as signet rings and in decorative art.
Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January. In medieval times, garnets were believed to protect against poison, plague, and wounds. They were also thought to bring peace, prosperity, and good health to the wearer.
Garnets can be found in many types of metamorphic rocks, particularly in Schist and Gneiss. They are also found in some igneous rocks like Pegmatite and Kimberlite, which can be the host rocks for diamonds.