The garnet stone leaves no one indifferent. It attracts people not only with its mesmerizing sparkle and pure color, but also with its magical and healing properties. The small crystals in appearance resemble the dark red grains of the fruit of the same name. However, the mineral is characterized not only by red shades. In nature there are stones of white, yellow, green, blue, purple and even black colors. All types of garnet have the same physical properties and are used primarily in jewelry.

History and characteristics of the mineral

Pomegranate has been known to mankind for tens of centuries. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Persians were the first to create jewelry from it. In the Northern Black Sea region, garnet crystals were very popular among the Scythians. The population of Ancient Hellas gave the sparkling gem the name “anthrax”, which translated means “coal”. The Romans called the precious stone carbuncle, and y - garnet, bechet and vermin.

Gold earrings with cognac diamonds, garnet (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

The name “garnet” was given to the stone in the second half of the 13th century by the German alchemist Albert Magnus. However, in Russia for a long time the mineral bore the name “lal”, which united all the bright red gems (garnet, spinel, tourmaline and ruby). In Europe, the beauty of the stone went unnoticed for a long time. Only in the 17th century did craftsmen begin to use it as jewelry and ornamental material. Since 1803, garnets began to mean not individual minerals, but also a whole group of precious and semi-precious stones with similar properties.

Garnets are minerals of the silicate class, which are characterized by the following features:

• glass shine;
• cubic system;
• uneven fracture;
• white color of the dash;
• imperfect cleavage;
• average level of hardness on the Mohs scale (6.5-7.5).

Despite the fact that the physical properties of all stones belonging to the garnet group are identical, the chemical composition of their crystals is different. Depending on the impurities present in the mineral, its color range can vary from completely transparent and white to purple and black.

Famous and rare varieties of gems

Today, the garnet group includes 14 types of natural minerals. The most famous of them include:

1. Pyrope is a transparent and translucent silicate of predominantly blood red color. Occasionally there are examples of pink, purple and orange-red shades. Transparent pyropes are precious stones used in the jewelry industry. Translucent specimens are not of particular value and are used as an abrasive material. Pyropes are mined from magnesium-containing ultrabasic rocks. Their largest deposits are located in Yakutia and South Africa.
2. Almandine is a common variety of garnet with a characteristic red or red-violet color. Individual samples can be colored cherry, purple and brown-red. Black minerals are occasionally found. Only transparent almandines used in the production of fine jewelry are precious. They are mined in Ceylon. Less valuable rocks were formed in the shale and gneiss rocks of Finland, India, Mongolia and Madagascar. In the Russian Federation, large deposits of almandine have been discovered on the Kola Peninsula.
3. Spessartine is a stone of rich red, pink, reddish-orange, yellowish-orange or brown colors. It differs from other varieties in its specific oily sheen. Used in jewelry and in demand by collectors. Stones matching this description have been found in Ceylon, Madagascar, Italy, Norway, Brazil, Mexico and the USA. In Russia, deposits of the mineral are located in Karelia, Siberia and the Urals.
4. Grossular (otherwise known as gomed, hessonide) is a representative of the group of garnets with a high content of aluminum and calcium. It can be golden yellow, green, brown, reddish pink. A variety of this type of gem is transparent or white garnet (leucite), which is extremely rare in nature and highly valued by collectors. Grossular is a semi-precious stone whose quality is determined by its brilliance, transparency and purity of color. Mined in limited quantities in Kenya and Tanzania.

Gold ring with garnet and diamonds (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

Although garnet is cheaper than other gems, some of its specimens can compete in price with the most expensive gems on the planet. One of these samples is a star garnet - a transparent crystal, inside of which, when illuminated, a star-shaped figure appears with rays diverging in different directions. A similar optical effect (asterism) can be obtained by special processing of the mineral to form a curved convex surface.

The star crystal looks so bewitching that it has long gained fame as a mystical stone.

The rarest variety of crystal is the blue garnet, which was first discovered at the end of the 20th century in Madagascar. Stones of this color are today mined in limited quantities in Kenya, Tanzania, Norway, the USA and Ceylon. The unusual color is not their only feature. In natural light, green, blue and purple highlights appear on the surface of blue crystals. If you place minerals in a room with artificial lighting, they will sparkle with red and purple tints.

Use of stone in medicine

The healing properties of the mineral have been known since time immemorial. Among our ancestors, the stone had extremely positive characteristics and was used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Before campaigns, medieval crusading knights always put a ring on their finger, into which a red garnet was inserted. They believed that the decoration would protect them from serious illnesses and injuries, and after completing the campaign, it would help them return home unharmed. The Slavs considered pomegranate the patron saint of women in labor. The stone was left at the head of the woman’s bed so that she would quickly and safely be relieved of her burden. In India, the mineral has been used for thousands of years as a general tonic. According to the residents of this country, it has the power to restore a person’s immunity and protect him from all kinds of ailments.

Beneficial properties and contraindications, or rather the lack thereof, have made pomegranate one of the most popular healing minerals today. For diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy), representatives of alternative medicine recommend wearing a silver jewelry with garnet crystals around the neck. A gold ring with a red mineral placed on the middle finger of your right hand will help you get rid of migraines and cure a sore throat. A blue garnet in a silver frame will help lower body temperature during a cold or viral disease. It is best to use a ring or bracelet for this purpose.

Gold bracelet with garnet (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

In addition to the cases of the listed ailments, garnet jewelry is recommended to be worn for gastrointestinal, endocrine and dermatological diseases. The stone will help with allergic reactions, stress and depression. It has the ability to quickly heal wounds and restore the body after illnesses.

The magical abilities of the mineral

The magical properties of garnet stone deserve special attention, as they have a direct impact on the energy of its owner. Esotericists and magicians describe this mineral as a means of helping a person gain power over the people around him. In some countries, rings with red stones are very popular among unmarried girls. It is believed that a young lady whose finger is decorated with such jewelry will be able to easily meet her soulmate and experience happiness in love. Black garnet allegedly allows you to influence the consciousness of other people at a distance and communicate with representatives of the afterlife.

The garnet gemstone has powerful energy and is ideal as an amulet for an active, passionate, sociable person who works with full dedication. It will give its owner happiness, luck and success, protect him from troubles and help him find the right way out of difficult situations. But magic does not advise people who are lazy, indecisive and lacking initiative to wear items with pomegranate. The mineral endowed with strong energy will exhaust them and lead to physical and nervous exhaustion.

When using a stone for magical purposes, a person needs to pay attention to its color: a red garnet will help its owner find peace of mind, become calm, attentive and reasonable. The green mineral has a positive effect on those whose strong point is not punctuality. He will teach them how to manage time correctly and thereby increase their authority in society.

Regardless of color, garnet stone will have a beneficial effect on the lives of creative people. It will energize writers, composers, artists and sculptors and inspire them to create new masterpieces.

Jewelry with garnet should not be worn daily, as constant bodily contact with the stone can lead to loss of strength. If a person begins to have problems sleeping, or he simply wants to rest, he needs to give up pomegranate jewelry for several days, hiding it in a dark place.

Choice by zodiac sign

Who is suitable for pomegranate according to the horoscope? According to astrologers, this stone is ideal for energetic and tireless Capricorns. The mineral also favors Leo and Sagittarius. Representatives of these zodiac signs can wear stones of any shade. But when choosing a garnet, Aquarius and Libra should give preference to green stones. Pisces and Cancers should completely abandon the use of the mineral as an amulet. For people born under these signs, it will deprive them of peace and lead to physical fatigue.

Gold jewelry SL with cognac diamonds, garnet (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

In order for a garnet to fully exhibit its magical properties, it is necessary to choose a stone as an amulet that has not previously had an owner. Such a mineral has powerful energy and will become a reliable amulet for its owner. If a person inherited jewelry with a gem, it must be cleaned by holding it under running cold water for several minutes. After the procedure is completed, the product can be worn without fear. From this moment on, his energy will work in favor of his new owner.

Main representatives (minerals) - garnet series

• Pyralspites
  • Pyrope Mg 3 Al 2 3 - from Greek. “pyropos” - similar to fire (due to the red color). The color is dark red. Found in ultramafic rocks rich in magnesium and their destruction products. Characteristic of diamondiferous rocks of South Africa and Yakutia.
  • Almandine Fe 2+ 3 Al 2 3 - by the name of the area - Alamanda (Asia Minor). Color red, brown, purple. The most common of pomegranates. Common in crystalline schists and gneisses.
  • Spessartine Mn 3 Al 2 3 - named Spessart (Bavaria, Germany). Color pink, red, yellowish-brown. Found in pegmatites and crystalline schists (Eastern Siberia, Karelia).
• Ugrandites
• "Hypothetical" grenades. The hypothetical members of the garnet series are not found in pure form, but may form a significant proportion in natural minerals.
  • Knorringitis Mg 3 Cr 2 (SiO 4) 3.
  • Calderite Mn 3 Fe 2 (SiO 4) 3.
  • Skiagit Fe 3 Fe 2 (SiO 4) 3.
  • Goldmanite Ca 3 V 2 (SiO 4) 3.

Based on the nature of isomorphic substitutions, two series have been identified, which are divided into series:

1. Series of pyralspites (magnesium-iron-manganese garnets): pyrope, almandine, spessartine.
2. A series of ugrandites (calcium garnets), including three series: the grossular-andradite series (the most common), the andradite-uvarovite series and the andradite-shorlomite series.

The second series includes garnets in which part is replaced by 4 - the so-called hydrogarnets. Separate names are assigned to garnets with 75 mol.% of the corresponding component. There are limited isomorphic substitutions between garnets of the two series.

Historical overview

Already by the beginning of the 16th century, several varieties of garnets were distinguished in Russia, and until the 19th century, two main names were assigned to them: “bechet” and “venisa”, which they tried to correctly identify and separate from other, more expensive varieties of red transparent gems. The Trade Book directly warned merchants: “You can’t buy bechet for lal. The nobility is drawn to the color: it’s like bubbles.”. Or here’s another recommendation from the same “Trading Book”: “And take care that they don’t sell you vinis for lal; and the vinisa stone is red, and its color is runny". Here both varieties of garnet are mentioned in contrast to lalu, which in those days was the name given to red noble spinel, a stone rarer and more expensive than pyropes or almandines. :10
The word “venisa” mentioned several times (or vinis) comes from the distorted (Russified) Persian “benefse”, which means purple. Al-Biruni in his “Mineralogy” more than once noticed that the red color of garnets is not without a violet (lilac) tint. And in fact, under different lighting conditions, the color can change from fiery red to almost purple.
As for “bechet” (or bechet), then his name goes back to the Arabic name for almandine garnets - “bijazi”. At one time, the medieval scholastic scientist Albert the Great, at his own discretion, translated the Arabic word “bijazi” into learned Latin as "granatus", in other words - grainy. Thus, he emphasized the characteristic feature of natural garnetites. Their red (or not red) fused crystals very often resemble juicy pomegranate fruits. :11-12 The same “trading book” said: “... when a stone sweeps, it cheers the heart and drives away sadness and inappropriate thoughts, increases reason and honor...”

Under the unifying name “worm-shaped yacht” in Rus', a variety of (transparent) red stones were known: among them there was a real oriental ruby, and garnets of all stripes, and there was also Ceylon hyacinth (a brown variety of zircon, which was called iokinthos). Starting from the 16th century, the bloody Bohemian garnet also came to Rus', which, according to Boethius de Boot, the author of a famous work on stones (1609), was formed from frozen water drops, colored with bloody vapor. :63-64 Red noble spinel under the name Lala was also in great use among our ancestors, who did not mix this stone with yakhont.

Properties

Applications and deposits

Garnets are used in the abrasive (garnet skins, powders and grinding wheels) and construction industries (additives to cement and ceramic masses), sometimes as a substitute for sapphire and ruby ​​in instrument making, in electronics (as a ferromagnet). For industrial needs, methods are being developed for the synthesis of artificial analogues of some garnets with specified properties: crystals for lasers (Nd:YAG laser). Mostly ferrous garnets (mainly almandine), less commonly spessartine and andradite, are suitable for the abrasive industry. Of great importance for determining the suitability of garnets in industry are high hardness, the ability, when crushed, to split into particles with sharp-angled cutting edges, and adhesion to paper and linen bases.

Transparent and translucent, beautifully colored garnets are used in jewelry. Gemstones usually include the following (in order of increasing value: almandine, pyrope, rhodolite, hessonite, grossular, topazolite, demantoid. Well-designed crystals, brushes and druses make excellent collection material. The most popular crystals are opaque and translucent almandine, homogeneous or zonal structures painted in dark cherry, brownish-brown and brownish-red colors. The source of such crystals and ores is most often sillimanite-containing quartz-biotite schists (Kitelya deposits in Karelia, Makzabak on the Kola Peninsula, Russia; Fort Wrangel, USA, etc. ) And to a lesser extent muscovite-beryl granite pegmatites (Ukraine, Russia; Madagascar; Brazil).

Crystal intergrowths and druses of andradite and hessonite from deposits in calcareous skarns (Dashkesan in Azerbaijan and the Sinerechenskoye deposit of collectible andradite in Primorye) are characterized by high decorativeness. Beautiful almandine intergrowths are found in crystalline schists at the Shchueretskoye deposit in Karelia.

Brushes of small (1-5 mm) shiny garnet crystals, mainly andradite, look very impressive. Of increased value are brushes of rare and beautifully colored varieties of andradite - green demantoid and honey-yellow topazolite, covering the walls of mineralized cracks in ultramafic rocks (Tamvatney deposit in Chukotka, etc.). A relatively rare and highly valued decorative collection material is brushes of emerald green uvarovite, developing in cracks of chromite ores. The sizes of uvarovite crystals in diameter usually do not exceed 1.0 mm, and brushes containing individuals 3 mm or more in size are considered unique. The bulk of uvarovite collection brushes are mined at the Saranovskoe chromite deposit in the Urals. Abroad, manifestations of uvarovite are known in Finland and Canada.

Kimberlite garnets included in the rock may have a certain collection value. These are mainly purple-red, red and orange-red chromium-containing pyropes of peridotite paragenesis (with a knorringite or uvarovite component) and orange calcium-containing pyrope-almandines of eclogite paragenesis.

The most important are deposits associated with metamorphic crystalline schists, gneisses and amphibolites (deposits of Karelia, etc.). The world's largest reserves of garnet raw materials are confined to crystalline metamorphic rocks that make up the Keivsky ridge on the Kola Peninsula. Placer garnet deposits are usually small in size and reserves. Contact-metasomatic and igneous deposits, with rare exceptions, have no practical significance.

Synthetic grenades

Since the late 1930s, the American company Bell Telephone has separated a department for the research and cultivation of pomegranates into a separate area of ​​its activities. In 1950, H.-S. Yoder re-synthesized grossular. Christophe Michel-Levy grew spessartine and grossular. In 1955, after many years of painstaking work, mineralogists L. Kos and H.-S. Yoder finally successfully synthesized pyrope (a known satellite of diamond) and almandine. However, this success was, in part, anecdotal. To synthesize artificial garnets, sophisticated technological equipment was required, capable of creating pressure up to 3 gigapascals at temperatures up to 1300 kelvins. The size of the resulting garnets was quite decent; they could be cut into a jewelry insert for a ring. But at cost they were not even gold, but rather platinum. Perhaps the cost of a trip to India and back (to buy a large natural stone there at the local bazaar) would be lower than one synthetic garnet obtained by Bell. However, the efforts of scientists were not in vain. The main thing is that a powerful foundation was laid for future experiments and research in this area. Work on growing artificial crystals continued.

Back in the late 1940s, the same Yoder, in collaboration with M.L. Keith, made a discovery, the thread from which led in the other direction. Using chemical analysis, yttrium (a rare earth metal, number 39 in the periodic table) was discovered in spessartines from some deposits. In the crystal lattice it replaced part of the manganese, while part of the silicon was simultaneously replaced by aluminum atoms. Not content with simply stating a fact, Keith and Yoder set a task: to synthesize pure yttrium garnet by removing manganese and silicon from the crystal. Could this make it possible to create a new mineral consisting of aluminum and yttrium? :168 In 1951, an article describing the properties of the new crystal appeared in the Journal of the American Mineralogical Society. Its hardness was higher than that of natural garnets: 8.5 on the Mohs scale (roughly between topaz and ruby), refractive index 1.835, and dispersion close to diamond (0.032). The new synthetic crystal was given the name yttrogarnet by its authors, although the name did not stick. To this day it continues to be called yttrium-aluminum garnet. (IAG). But its properties aroused much greater enthusiasm among mineralogists. Experiments began on the artificial growth of YAG crystals. With the hydrothermal method, the growth of garnets turned out to be extremely slow, 0.05 millimeters per day. Then they tried the pegmatite process. With it, it was possible to quickly obtain fairly large and pure crystals (up to 5 centimeters), but some flaws in the method did not allow it to be introduced into mass production. There was only the last, magmatic method left. In the end, by the method of errors and trials, it was possible to obtain pure yttrogarnets on an industrial scale using the improved Lichtman-Maslennikov method. After the American J. Pfann more deeply (in a practical way) developed the theory of the process of zonal crystal purification in 1952, the new method found the widest application in the industrial cultivation of synthetic stones (not only garnets).

Garnet stone has been known to mankind since ancient times. Initially, all red crystals were called this way. The garnet mineral was revered by many peoples, it was endowed with magical and healing properties, and was used as a precious decoration and protective amulet.

Garnet stone has been known to mankind since ancient times.

Garnet crystals belong to igneous rocks. In nature they occur in the form of solid solutions. Often, impurities of iron, vanadium and other metals can be found in the mineral. The following physical properties of the mineral are distinguished:

• various types of coloring;
• density – up to 4.2 g/cm³;
• hardness – 7 points on the Mohs scale;
• transparency or translucency;
• glassy or resinous luster.

The mineral garnet was revered by many peoples

If the physical properties of all types of mineral are the same, then their chemical composition is different. Although many people strongly associate the color garnet with a bright red hue, inclusions of various elements change the color of the mineral. Depending on the tone and chemical composition, the following types are distinguished:

1. Almandine is the most common variety of garnet. The gem is named after the area where it is mined. It is a purplish-red mineral with a purple tint. Only this variety has a phenomenal patterned effect. Almandine star garnet reflects light so that a characteristic 4- or 6-ray pattern appears on the surface of the stone.
2. Pyrope is a classic mineral with a bright red color. In Rus' these stones were called “worm-shaped yachts”. Translated from Greek, pyrope literally means “like fire.”
3. Carbuncle is another bright red garnet. May also be orange and purple.
4. Andradite is a mineral of a yellow-brown or greenish-brown hue.
5. Grossular - resembles gooseberries in color and texture and has a light green tint.
6. Demantoid is a beautiful green gem whose amazing shine is like a diamond. The name of the stone is translated as “diamond-like”. Demantoid is the most expensive type of garnet.
7. Majorite was discovered only 50 years ago. This is a rare purple mineral.
8. Spessartine can be yellow, pink or red.
9. Hessonite has a beautiful honey-orange hue.
10. Rhodolite, which has a pink color, is a very valuable garnet and is one of the most expensive jewelry stones.
11. Uvarovite is an amazing green gem with an emerald tint, but it is rare in nature.
12. Belikian blue garnet was discovered in Madagascar in the 90s of the last century. Before this, it was believed that blue or light blue garnet was a non-existent gem in nature.
13. Leucogranate is a colorless stone revered by jewelers. Translated from Greek, its name means “white,” although this stone has no color.
14. Shorlomite is a black garnet with a high content of titanium impurities. This is the rarest type of stone.

In total, there are 14 types of mineral, but not all of them are precious stones. The most prized varieties of pomegranate are those that have a bright, rich or rare color. The semi-precious stone has a pale hue.

Garnet - a precious stone (video)

History and Application

Each people called it differently and endowed it with special properties. The Mongols believed that the gem was the frozen blood of a dragon. Before battle, warriors drank wine from a pomegranate goblet, believing that the stone would make them braver and stronger. The Persians believed that the red gem was a frozen flame of fire. They called it the “royal stone” because portraits of rulers were often engraved on the gem.

Even among the Aztecs and Mayans, the stone was sacred. They decorated the robe of the high priest. In India, the magic of the pomegranate lay in its deadly power. The Indians associated the color of the mineral with blood and believed that weapons containing a red gem would become more dangerous to the enemy than just a sword or arrows made of metal.

Garnets received their name and mineralogical classification only in the 16th century, although the stone has been known since ancient times

The healing and magical properties of garnet stone are still strong. However, nowadays the breed is used more in jewelry. Most minerals are mined in African countries. In addition, deposits have been discovered in Europe and Russia. In jewelry, precious stones of rich colors are most valued. Private collections contain garnet jewelry in red and pink colors that was made back in the days of the ancient Romans and Greeks. Some specimens are truly unique. For example, a blue or black garnet will cost several thousand dollars per carat. And stones of purple shades do not go on mass sale at all, going straight to auction or to a private collection.

Garnet gemstone is used in many industries. It plays the role of a ferromagnet in electronics and serves as a semiconductor material in technology. It is used as a crystal for lasers and is used in the manufacture of sandpapers, sharpening wheels, various pastes and powders. The gem often serves as an additive to cement and ceramic masses.

Gallery: garnet stone (25 photos)

Garnets received their name and mineralogical classification only in the 16th century, although the stone has been known since ancient times

Magical and healing properties

Any garnets are mystical minerals. Ancient people were attracted and at the same time frightened by the blood-red color of the stone. Many legends, myths and traditions associated with this gem have survived to this day. The description of the amazing crystal has been preserved in many writings. Previously, they believed that the red mineral would protect soldiers from injury. The image of a dangerous animal was specially applied to the stone. It was believed that this way the magic of the gem was enhanced and protected the owner from harm.

Any garnets are mystical minerals

The red gem is a symbol of passion. By changing color it reacts to the thoughts of its owner. If a person is obsessed with an obsessive desire, then the stone becomes brighter. On the neck or in the hands of a deceitful person, the garnet becomes dull.

This gem loves strong and strong-willed people, whose talisman it is. The mineral gives its owner charisma and enhances his influence on the people around him. Those who are confident in their path in life should use a pomegranate as a talisman, the magical properties of which will add energy and mental strength. The gem will not bring happiness to indecisive and cowardly people. And it can harm deceitful people.

The main healing property of this mineral is its ability to stop bleeding. The ancient warriors knew this secret. The gem has a beneficial effect on the blood: it regulates circulation and coagulation, increases hemoglobin. In addition, jewelry with any type of gem is worn for the following ailments:

• temperature increase;
• pulmonary diseases;
• allergic reactions;
• inflammatory processes;
• skin defects;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• stress and depression.

Both semi-precious and precious garnet stones have beneficial properties. Often, a cheap unprocessed stone turns out to be more effective than a noble gem. After all, the main thing is the energy of the mineral. But an ornamental pomegranate, although it looks like a real one, will not bring any benefit to its owner.

The healing properties of the gem are enhanced if worn correctly. For blood-related diseases, rings, bracelets and pendants with red mineral help. The necklace will strengthen the immune system and give strength, a gold pendant with a stone will cure pulmonary diseases, and a mineral in a silver frame will relieve inflammation and protect against colds.

Stone of passion and joy (video)

Talismans made of stone

The astrological characteristic of the gem is such that it suits honest and strong-willed individuals. Of all the zodiac signs, these are Leo and Sagittarius. Representatives of these signs have an innate sense of justice and adhere to an active life position. They persistently move towards their goal, so the red gem will be an excellent helper for them.

Among the signs suitable for the horoscope, one can also name Scorpios, Capricorns, Aries, Gemini and Aquarius. Pyrope is a good talisman for Scorpios. It develops the leadership qualities of representatives of this sign, and also imparts confidence and determination. Aries should only wear red gems. Representatives of this fire sign have an explosive character. The red mineral will make them kinder and calmer, and help them avoid quarrels and conflicts. The mineral will add energy to hardworking and purposeful Capricorns. It will help changeable Geminis achieve spiritual harmony. Green varieties of gems are suitable for Aquarius. Garnet will help them in love affairs.

In addition, the gem is also suitable for people with certain names. The mineral will add fearlessness to Anton, and will reward Vasily with passion, courage and love of life. The gem will soften Alla’s strong character and make her forgiving. Garnets are useful talismans for such flighty natures as Galina and Lyudmila. They will help them make the right decisions. Maria and Tamara are those for whom the gem is suitable for finding family happiness.

Attention, TODAY only!

Natural garnet is a whole family of minerals, whose general chemical properties can be clearly shown by the formula R2+3 R3+2 3. Depending on the elements in place, the values ​​of R2 (magnesium, calcium, iron or manganese) and R3 (chromium, aluminum, iron ), the color and hardness of the crystal will vary. Garnets are hard stones and have a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5.

In nature, this semi-precious mineral is found in all colors of the rainbow except blue. Pink, yellow, green, red - these are not all shades of pomegranate. Purple garnet is less common, but the most popular and widespread is the red gem. The rarest and most expensive is the green garnet.

Descriptions of pomegranate are already found in ancient scrolls and papyri. The precious mineral was already known to the ancient Romans, Egyptians and Persians. The stone was used not only as jewelry, but also inlaid with silver and gold dishes, belts, sword hilts and warriors’ shields. The garnet crystal was considered the stone of Mars, the god of war, but owes its name to its resemblance to the seeds of the pomegranate tree.

Garnet crystals occur in igneous rocks - schists and gneisses. In the case of crystalline slate, garnet (and in this particular case, almandine) is the rock-forming mineral. Its companions are often micas, chlorite and disthene. In this case, the origin of the mineral is metamorphic.

The second option for the formation of these semi-precious gems is the contact process, otherwise called skarn. For the formation of such types of minerals as grossular and andradite, contact of the rock with limestone rocks, rhodolites, eclagites, etc. is necessary.

In skarns, garnet is accompanied by sulfites of iron, copper and lead, as well as salite, vesuvian, scheelite, etc. Garnets are often part of igneous rocks, such as peridotites and kimberlites, granite, and appear on the surface due to the activity of volcanoes.

Natural garnet is a very resistant material, therefore, when the rock weathers, this gem is not subject to destruction, but turns into placer.

Garnet deposits

Precious garnet is mined all over the world, and descriptions of deposits have been known since ancient times. In Europe these are the Czech Republic, Finland and Norway. In North America, the mineral is mined in Canada and the USA, and in South America - in Brazil. In Asia, the main producers of pomegranate are India and Sri Lanka, and in Africa - South Africa and Madagascar.

This gem is also mined in Russia - in the Ural Mountains. Russian garnets have a beautiful green color and are highly prized. Some stones can cost up to $20,000.

The rarest and most mysterious type of pomegranate is “ant blood”. This precious blood-red mineral appears in the form of droplets on the site of giant anthills after rains. This periodically happens in the USA on the Navajo Indian reservations, and its description is found in ancient legends.