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Garnet Family:
Neosilicates (A group of very closely related aluminum silicates and calcium silicates) (Mg, Fe2+, Mn, Ca)3Al2Si3O12 and Ca3(Fe3+, Cr)2Si3O12 AKA: Andradite, Almandine, Demantoid, Grossular, Melanite, Pyrope, Rhodolite, Spessartine, Topazolite, Uvarovite |
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System: Isometric; crystals very common as dodecahedrons and trapezohedrons; also granular, lamellar, compact, disseminated. Appearance: Pyrope, deep red to reddish black, rarely purple or rose to pale purplish red (variety rhodolite); almandine, deep red to brown, brownish black; spessartine, brownish red to hyacinth-red; grossular, colorless, white, yellow, pink, green, brown; andradite, wine red, greenish (variety, demantoid), yellow (variety, topazolite), brown, black (variety, melanite); uvarovite, emerald-green. Vitreous; streak, colorless. Physical properties: Hardness: (6.5 - 7.5); Specific gravity; (3.56 - 4.32) varies with composition; Cleavage: None; parting sometimes distinct in six directions; fracture, conchoidal, uneven; brittle; usually opaque but sometimes transparent with adamantine luster. Colorless streak. Similar species: Apatite is softer than any of the garnets; zircon has a higher gravity and often fluoresces; tourmaline has lower gravity. Occurrence: Some garnets are of igneous origin, but most of them are products of metamorphism. Pyrope and almandine occurs in plutonic rocks; spessartine occurs in granite pegmatites and regional metamorphic rocks; gossular occurs in hornfels of contact metamorphic rock; andradite occurs in granite pegmities; uvarovite occurs in plutonic rocks and hydrothermal metamorphic rocks. Garnet localities are abundant throughout North America. Miscellaneous: Garnet is not one mineral but a group. The commonest member, almandine, has many colors. Pyrope is usually red; spessartine, orange-red or brownish. These two may be combined in a mix known as malaya. Thodolite is purplish red or pink. The rare uvarovite is dark green. Grossular, also known as hessonite or cinnamon stone, includes submembers hydrogrossular, xalostocite, landerite, rosolite (pink), tsavorite (green), and green massive material called Transvaal jade. Andradite garnet includes demantoid (rich green), schorlomite, melanite (black), and topazolite (yellow-green). There are also garnet rarities called goldmanite, henritermierite, kimzeyite, knorringite, majorite, yamatoite, aplome, and colophonite. Every color is represented except blue. The garnet species with red or purple varieties, including pyrope, almandine and a variety intermediate between these two, called rhodolite, are considered gemstones. The different garnets are used industrially as abrasive materials. Conventional Wisdom: Albertus Magnus said that garnet improves blood circulation and strengthens the heart. It was believed that garnets could not be stolen, because they would bring the thief catastrophically bad luck until they were given back to their rightful owners. Indian soldiers fighting the British in Kashmir used garnet bullets, hoping to cause very bloody, nonhealing wounds. At the same time, European folklore claimed that garnets would help heal any bleeding injuries. Garnet was named from granatum, the pomegranate, a red-jeweled womb symbol ever since the matriarchal age. Because of these ancient connections with feminine life force, it was sometimes thought that garnets should be worn only by women. (Only clear is used for healing) Use cut and polished. The brighter the better. The garnet is most often used as a general tonic for the whole system - physical, mental and emotional. It is regenerative and revitalizing, strengthening the blood and helping with anaemia and circulatory problems. Protects against infection, depression and skin diseases. It brings into consciousness the physical powers and is particularly recommended for those who need to improve their self-respect and self-confidence, pride and success and to increase their courage when dealing with changes. Improves imagination. Assists in dream work and in past life recall. Increases determination,energy and courage. Attracts love, promotes bonding. Very grounding, evoking, stirs up from the depths, then soothes and integrates, keep energies flowing. Sleeping with it helps you remember your dreams. Belongs to the Astrological Signs of Leo, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius. |