Garnet – The Gemstone of Success and Love

Garnet is a gem belonging to the semiprecious stone category. This gem is the birthstone of those born in the month of January and wedding anniversary gemstone associated with the 2^nd and 6^th year of marriage. Garnets work well for those born under the sun signs of Aries, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius. The name of this gem stone is derived from the Latin word "granatum" which means pomegranate because of its resemblance in color with Pomegranate seeds. Although Garnet is normally seen in the color of pomegranate seeds, it is also seen in a multitude of other colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, pink, brown, purple or colorless because of the unique combinations of elements such as iron, calcium, and manganese in the gem. Out of all the blue garnet is the rarest and costly. Garnet vibrates well with the number 2. Garnet gemstones are found in many places including Sri Lanka, Brazil, Africa, Siberia, Italy, Australia, India, Russia, Turkey, South America and the United States.

Jewelry made with garnet gem is extremely popular because of its beauty and characteristics. But that is not all; Garnet has several other uses too. Garnet sand is a good abrasive and used as a replacement for silica sand in sand blasting. Garnet is also used to cut steel and other materials in water jets. Garnet sand is also used for water filtration media. Garnet is used as medicine for treating hemorrhage, blood pressure, gallstones, anemia, fever and inflammatory problems. It is also said to relieve rheumatism, depressions, stress and prevent nightmares. Those having depression can put garnet gem under the pillow to cure it. The Garnet is also said to be beneficial to those with heart ailments or thyroid. This stone is widely used when searching or meditating on past lives.

The existence of this gem can be traced back to as old as 3100 BC, when garnet used to be a part of the ancient Egyptian and Sumerian Jewelry. This stone was worn as a lucky charm by warriors of the medieval times for success and protection. The stone was set in shields, buckles and other items worn by Crusaders. This stone is also considered an ideal gem for wearing for Career success and building relationships. This stone also is said to negate loneliness, isolation, stubbornness. This stone is popular as a wedding jewelry too as it is said to bring in unconditional love, happiness, compassion, romance, devotion and stability in relationships. This stone is also said to be of help in increasing sexual drive. This gem is used by business people to achieve success in business. The Red Garnet is also said to bring fortune, health, name, fame and honor and thereby considered an ideal stone for Politicians, Defense Personnel and Surgeons.