Not just your average red stone! This intense red mineral has a long, rich history! Let’s explore some fun facts about this pretty little redhead!
Garnet’s History tidbits:
Garnet means pomegranate seed in Latin!
Over 5000 years ago, Ancient Egyptians revered this fiery beauty and used garnet abundantly in jewelry for the pharaohs. (I own at least 7 pieces with garnet in them! Call me Cleopatra!)
Garnets were buried with high-ranking Egyptians in their tombs to assist with and be enjoyed in the afterlife. (You know my crystals are comin with me!! However and wherever I go!)
Ancient Romans traded precious garnet gemstones and also carved them into signet rings to be used for the sealing of important documents. (I’d bring back this of yore tradition if I could pound my signet garnet ring into hot wax! Send a Raven!)
They carved huge blazing garnet rocks into useful vessels that could hold up to a pint! (Can’t you see yourself sipping a stunning cabernet from a Garnet Goblet?)
Red garnets were considered sacred by African, Aztec, Mayan, Native American and South American Indian tribal leaders…and ME!
In Asia, garnet gemstones were worn for protection and used as weapons by tribesmen. 
They believed the intense red color was similar to the color of blood and would protect them from wounds as well as make their weapons more deadly. Small garnets were launched at their enemies with sling bows and shot from guns like bullets. (I’d much rather take a garnet to the heart than a bullet!)
Red garnets were worn as talismans by the Christians and Muslims during the Crusades for protection.
A red garnet was one of the gemstones that adorned the breastplates of the Hebrew High Priests. (I often wear one in my bra!)
And a large garnet stone is believed to have been used by Noah on the to Ark to light the way in the dark. (Kinda like Rudolph’s nose?)
Garnet’s Metaphysical Healing Properties:
Regeneration · Energizing · Balancing · Self-confidence · Protection · Strength
Garnet’s moniker is “Stone of Health.” It removes and transforms negative energies into positive energies to assist in strengthening and healing the body and mind. Garnet has also been coined the stone of “Successful Business”. Just place 3 or more small garnets around your workspace and watch out world!
Wear a piece of garnet jewelry to help with self-esteem and popularity!
Place a chunk of garnet under your pillow and it will help cure depression.
Carry or wear a piece of garnet when traveling to protect you on your trip.
And garnet can bring constancy to friendships so it’s a great stone to give or receive as a gift.
Garnet Birthstone – January
Garnet is a 2nd Anniversary gemstone
Chakras – Base Chakra, Heart Chakra
Zodiac – Aries, Leo, Virgo
Planet – Mars
Element – Fire
Typical colors – Most often seen in red, but available in virtually all colors, including: pink, green, orange, yellow, brown and black
There you have it! I’d say this blazing beauty is the life of the party with a Hollywood ending!