Garnet

Its name comes from the Latin word "grantum" (pomegranate) because of the similarity of the stone crystals both in shape and colour to the pomegranate seeds. In ancient times the name was 'anthracon', a term used to describe all red-coloured minerals (spinel, ruby). Garnet has been used since the 4th millennium BC, both as a gemstone and as an abrasive, and it is also collected by mineral collectors. It is mentioned in the writings of the famous 3rd century BC philosopher. Theophrastus and the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD). In ancient Egypt, excavations have unearthed necklaces of the pharaohs decorated with garnet. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the stone was widely used in jewellery making. It symbolized power, blood and fire. In the Vikings, garnet served as a light in funeral rituals, leading the dead to the heavenly place, Valhalla.

The garnet is a symbol of energy. The red garnet represents love. It helps mental balance and concentration. It acts as a booster for self-confidence, self-esteem, compassion, peace and love. It is beneficial for the heart and arteries, assisting in the prevention of blood diseases and cardiovascular disorders.

It belongs to the Silicate minerals in the category of Nisosilicates. Its crystal structure is cubic, it has a translucent, transparent appearance and a glassy, resinous luster. It is found in various colours depending on its composition, except for blue. Colour: red to almost black. Almandine: red, reddish brown. Spessartine: orange to dark red or brown. Uvarovite: emerald green. Grossularius: white, yellow, green, brown. Andradite: yellow, greenish yellow, greenish brown, black. Some grades of garnet exhibit the 'Alexandrite effect' as they change hue depending on the type of light they receive.

Garnet sources are found almost everywhere in the world. In Greece, the stone is found in Syros, Serifos, Sikinos, Milos, the skarn rock of Nisyros, the Cassandra mines, the Alistrati of Serres and the Kimmeria and Lefkopetra areas of Xanthi.