Garnets are all in a GROUP, which have similar crystal structure, but vary in their chemical compositions. There are 6 SPECIES. And within each species, there are VARIETIES.
Species #1 Pyrope (red with brown tint)
Species #2 Almandine (red-violet)
Species #3 Spessartite (mandarin orange)
Species #4 Grossularite: Variety Grossular (green)
Species #4 Grossularite: Variety Hessonite (brownish-red)
Species #4 Grossularite: Variety Leuco (colorless)
Species #4 Grossularite: Variety Hydrogrossular (opaque green)
Species #4 Grossularite: Variety Tsavorite (green)
Species #5 Uvarovite: (green, not gem-like)
Species #6 Andradite: Variety Demantoid (green, most expensive)
Species #6 Andradite: Variety Topazolite (yellow)
Species #6 Andradite: Variety Melanite (opaque black)
Mixtures of Garnet:
Rhodolite (a pink-red mixture of pyrope and almandine)
Garnet gets its name from the latin for seed, granate, because of its similarity in color to a pomegranite seed.
“Garnet has long been thought of as a travelers’ stone. In fact, Noah’s Ark is said to have had a garnet lantern to help navigate during the night. In traditional Hindu belief systems, garnet is associated with the first chakra, or the “root chakra”, which is positioned at the base of the spine. The root chakra when clear is associated with healthy sexual activity and feelings of security and stability. Garnet is also thought to promote successful business, encourage compassion and aid self-confidence. Garnet is said to have the ability to heal the blood and encourage good circulation. Garnet is the traditional birthstone for January, the zodiacal stone for Aquarius and the second anniversary stone.” -Gem Select-
