A Wide Variety of Garnets
By Rachel Niemczyk
Most often when people hear the term “Garnet” they visualize a deep, red colored crystal, almost similar to Ruby in color. That is one type of Garnet, but there are so many more. In fact, there is some debate between mineralogists on whether each type of Garnet should be considered a separate mineral because of their differing chemical makeups. Most agree however, that all crystals termed “Garnet” belong in the same mineral series/structural group. This is because all Garnets possess the same crystal structure (cubic crystal system), share the same manner of formation, are island silicates, and follow the same basic chemical formula (although there are variations built upon this basic formula).
Sounds like a lot of information? Essentially, all the crystals called Garnets can have different colors and chemical compositions; however, they have enough similarities regarding how they are formed that they are grouped together under the umbrella title “Garnet”.
So what are the different types of Garnets? Here’s the breakdown. There are six main varieties of Garnet that all other Garnets fall under: Almandine, Andradite, Grossular, Pyrope, Spessartine, and Uvarovite. Most Garnets fall under one of these categories, though some may even fall between 2 of these varieties. All of these Garnets have the general metaphysical properties of Garnet in common, as well as metaphysical properties unique to each variety. This article covers the metaphysical properties associated with each of the six main varieties.
Almandine
Almandine Garnets are also known by the names: Mozambique Garnet, Rhodolite Garnet, and Star Garnet. These are typically a deep red-brown, almost the color of red wine, with a hint of pink to them.
Metaphysically, they support introspection and inner knowing. They translate higher knowledge and metaphysical knowledge into physical reality, connecting the inner world of spiritual wisdom with the outer world of material needs. Because of their propensity to strengthening this connection, they bring vitality and passion into pursuits such as astronomy, astrology, and sacred geometry, which combine the physical and metaphysical.
For the best results with Almandine Garnets, meditate with them or keep them nearby as you work (e.g. in the form of chunks on your desk).
Andradite
Andradite Garnets are also known by the names: Demantoid Garnet, Mali Garnet, Melanite Garnet, and Topazolite Garnet. They come in a wide variety of colors including reds and browns, but are most commonly recognized in the orange-yellow, yellow, yellow-green, and green hues.
Andradite Garnets are stones for stability and stamina and often characterized by the term ‘strength’. They are said to provide courage and stability to one’s life, and are particularly praised for their ability to support healing on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. Green Andradite Garnets are also noted to promote healing on an emotional level, particularly regarding relationships with other people.
Try keeping these stones nearby when you sleep; this way they can affect your energy fields when you are most open to receiving their energy. They will work through your subconscious at night to aide you throughout the day.
Grossular
Grossular Garnets are known by the names Gooseberry Garnet, Hessonite Garnet, Imperial Garnet, Leuco-Garnet, Mali Garnet, Mint Garnet, Raspberry Garnet, and Tsavorite Garnet. Grossular Garnets are the most widely varied gemstone of all Garnets, ranging from browns, reds, and pinks to vibrant oranges, yellows, and greens. The range of colors is especially evident when comparing the vibrant oranges of Hessonite Garnet to the bright green of Tsavorite Garnet.
Grossular Garnets support living in this physical world. They can inspire creative and passionate solutions to questions that arise or problems in your path. Energetically balancing and stabilizing crystals, they also remind you to use reasoning skills, whether you are responding to a situation or applying a creative solution. This characteristic translates fantastically into fields where you are challenged to think critically and creatively.
As this variety of Garnet is so helpful on a day to day basis, try to keep these crystals with you throughout the day as a piece of jewelry or in a pouch or a pocket. That way you immediately benefit from their energy when a situation arises.
Pyrope
Pyrope Garnets are also known by the names Color-Change Garnet and Rhodolite Garnet. Pyrope Garnets appear in shades of red, orange and pink. Occasionally they are known to appear in a violet color.
Pyrope Garnets, more than any other variety of Garnet, are a force for grounding and protection. They stabilize the chakras and open up energy pathways within the aura so that your best self can shine through at any given moment.
These Garnets are especially helpful when interacting with large groups of people, attending social events, or preparing for public presentations. As with Grossular Garnets, try to keep these on your person, particularly in the form of jewelry, for the best benefits of their energy.
Spessartine
Spessartine Garnets are known by the names Color-Change Garnet, Malaya Garnet, Mandarin Garnet, and Tangerine Garnet. They appear in the warm tones of red, orange, gold and yellow.
These Garnets are considered high vibrational stones. They help with the accumulation and assimilation of higher frequencies (i.e. connecting to higher consciousness, spiritual beings, or realms of existence). To prepare you for integrating such energies into your life, they help to heal and balance your energy bodies on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Because of their high vibrations, Spessartine Garnets are not recommended to be worn all the time. Rather, they are best used in small doses when meditating or learning about metaphysical topics. Try holding a piece in your hand, or keeping a piece nearby if the energy is too strong to handle.
Uvarovite
Uvarovite is currently the only known name for this variety of Garnet, and the rarest variety of all the Garnets mentioned. It comes in an emerald green color and is the only Garnet to consistently do so. It is often confused with Tsavorite, a type of Grossular Garnet, however the chemical composition is different and Uvarovite consistently comes in the formation of small druzes, whereas Tsavorite can form as larger chips and chunks.
Uvarovite Garnets are considered stones for the soul. They bring peace, clarity, and optimism to the user. They also help the user recognize universal consciousness and spirit throughout the world.
Uvarovite Garnets are wonderful to keep close throughout the day because of the serenity they bring to your soul. This could mean using a Uvarovite Garnet druze as a paperweight on your desk, meditating with it, or wearing it in the form of jewelry.
Bibliography
Gienger, Michael. "The Healing Properties of Precious Stones: Garnet." Trans. Astrid Mick. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook. London: Blandford, 1998. 288-93. Print.
“The Crystal Vaults Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Crystals: Your On-Line Guide to the Metaphysical Crystal Properties and Legendary Uses of Crystals, Stones, and Minerals.” Home . Crystal Vaults, 2009. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/crystal-guide
“The Chemical Properties of Minerals." The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom: Complete Information Guide to Rocks, Minerals, Gemstones, and Jewelry. Hershel Friedman and Minerals.net, 1997. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. http://www.minerals.net/resource/Chemical_Properties.aspx
"The Gemstone Garnet." The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom: Complete Information Guide to Rocks, Minerals, Gemstones, and Jewelry. Hershel Friedman and Minerals.net, 1997. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/garnet_gemstone.aspx
"Garnet Structural Group." : Mineral Information and Data. Joylon Ralph, 2002. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. http://www.mindat.org/min-1651.html
"Uvarovite Garnet." GemSelect.com 8 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/uvarovite-garnet.php
"Green Garnet Gems: Demantoid, Tsavorite, Grossularite - Featured Star Sapphire." GemSelect.com, Aug. 2009. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. http://www.gemselect.com/help/newsletter/newsletter-aug-09.php
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