Global sources of garnet include India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Kenya. Small amounts are also mined in parts of Japan. Some Sri Lankan garnet mines have already closed, and distribution is limited, making them quite rare. If you come across one during your trip to Sri Lanka, it's definitely worth checking out.
In this article, we will introduce the meaning, gemstone meaning, effects, and types of garnet.
What kind of stone is garnet? Explanation of its meaning and gemstone meaning
Garnet is a gemstone with a long history that has been loved for over 5,000 years. It appears in many myths and fairy tales, such as in the story of Noah's Ark in the Old Testament and being used as a burial item for Egyptian kings.
Garnet has the following gemstone meaning:
<Garnet's Gemstone Language>
- prosperity
- Harvest
- truth
- fraternity
- Loyal
- passion
As these gemstone words indicate, garnet has various meanings. Here we will introduce the three most common meanings.
<Typical meanings of Garnet>
- Symbol of Harvest
- Oath Stone
- Stone of passion
Symbol of Harvest
The name garnet comes from pomegranate. It is named after the Latin word "granatum," which means pomegranate. Therefore, its Japanese name is also called "zakuroishi."
The reason why garnet is named after pomegranates is because it is made up of crystals with a pomegranate-like color. Garnets have been loved since ancient times as a symbol of fruitfulness, as their appearance reminds one of ripe pomegranates.
Proof of Bond
Garnet is a gemstone that was once called the "oath stone" in ancient legends. There was a custom of lovers heading to the battlefield giving each other garnets as a vow to meet again or as a symbol of their bond. Garnets have also been used as an item to represent not only love but also friendship.
Such customs have been passed down in different forms to the present day. A typical example is the garnet wedding, which marks the 18th anniversary of a married life. Some couples even give each other a garnet named after their partner as a symbol of their unchanging bond.
Stone of passion
The deep red color, which is said to be the most representative color of garnets, is reminiscent of passion and blood, and is thought to inspire passion in those who see it.
For this reason, garnet has been loved by people who want to be stronger. It is also called the "stone of passion" and is said to sustain love, give courage and hope, and lead to persistence, ambition, and perseverance.
3 Effects of Garnet
From here, we will introduce the following typical effects of Garnet.
<Garnet Effect>
- Helps you succeed in your efforts
- It keeps the romance going
- It gives positive energy
Helps you succeed in your efforts
As mentioned earlier, garnet is a symbol of fruition. Wearing it will bring you success in whatever you have built up and help you achieve love.
Wearing a garnet will help you achieve results, especially when taking exams or job hunting. If you are currently working hard or making an effort, wearing a garnet will give you the strength you need.
It keeps the romance going
Garnet is a gemstone that has an effect on love. Not only does it give love to loved ones, but it also allows you to receive love from loved ones, creating a "circulation of love." Wearing garnet helps you develop feelings of love and cherishment for others.
Garnet is also believed to have the power to sustain love that has blossomed. If you want to maintain a long-lasting bond with your loved one, wearing it as an accessory such as a ring or necklace will help protect that love.
It gives positive energy
Garnet is a gemstone that also has a positive effect on the mental state.
Garnet also has a strong purifying power that balances the energy of the mind and body. Wearing it will help you get rid of negative emotions and resolve troubles and disharmony in your relationships. It will also give you courage and positivity, helping you make your wishes come true.
If you experience insults or inconsiderate behavior from others, or if you lack the courage to take action, wear garnet for support.
Not just red! Explaining the different types of garnet by color
Many people may think of red when they hear the word garnet, but in fact, garnets come in a variety of colors. In addition to red, they are also available in purple, red-purple, yellow, orange, yellow-green, green, and blue-green. Mineralogically, they are divided into 14 types, and as a gemstone, they come in more than 40 different colors.
Here, we will divide garnet colors into the following three categories and introduce their characteristics and production areas.
<Types of Garnet Colors>
- Red
- orange type
- Green
Red
Among garnets, red garnets are the most common. The most common are crimson and red-black garnets.
The main producing countries are African countries such as India and Kenya, but some types are also found in Japan. Some garnets from Sri Lanka are highly prized among collectors.
The main types of red garnets are:
- Almandine Garnet (deep red with a blackish hue)
- Pyrope Garnet (deep red)
- Rhodolite Garnet (purplish red, pink to lavender)
- Malaya Garnet (pink, orange, red, brown, etc.)
orange type
The main producing countries for orange garnets are African regions such as Nigeria, Namibia, and Tanzania. Some garnets are originally yellow, while others are yellow mixed with red to turn orange or brown. The types of garnets that have orange colors are as follows:
- Spessartine Garnet (bright orange to reddish dark orange)
- Malaya Garnet (pink, orange, red, brown, etc.)
- Hessonite Garnet (Gold, Cinnamon)
Orange garnets are less abundant than red garnets.
Green
Green garnets are often found in Africa and Russia. Green garnets are rare and are becoming increasingly popular, making them very valuable gemstones. There are the following types:
- Green Garnet (Tsavorite)
- Demantoid Garnet
In particular, demantoid garnet and green garnet (tsavorite) have become increasingly popular in recent years and are said to be becoming more valuable.
Popular as the January birthstone
Birthstones are gemstones that are said to bring good luck when worn. They are set according to the month of birth.
Although different countries may have different gemstones designated as birthstones, garnet is the January birthstone in every country.
There are various theories as to why garnet was chosen as the birthstone for January. The most likely theory is that garnet was chosen as the birthstone for January, the first month of the month, because it is "beautiful from the start," as it is beautiful even in its natural state before being processed.
Summary: Garnet is a stone that brings abundant fruition to your life.
Garnet is a gemstone that can be expected to have an effect on love, friendship, study, work, and more.
The color of garnets varies depending on the country where they are mined, so why not try looking for garnets that are unique to that country? Garnets mined in certain areas of Sri Lanka are particularly rare, so if you are traveling to Sri Lanka, be sure to stop by a jewelry store in the city.
*Please note that the effects of gemstones are felt differently by each individual.
JAL Shopping is selling jewellery accessories
Article about Sri Lanka, where garnets are produced
If you are interested in jewellery, check out
Ryuji Kagami's Travel Fortune Telling
This is an original OnTrip JAL travel fortune telling by Ryuji Kagami, a leading expert in Western astrology.
Your fortune will be revealed every month.
Click here for the jewel list page
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
