Garnet Stone Meanings

Did you know that Garnet comes in all colors of the rainbow? You've heard the name, but what do you really know about this versatile gemstone? Ready to learn? You've come to the right place! From geological facts to metaphysical healing properties, your Garnet guide is ready to infuse you with knowledge.

Garnet is the Stone of Total Health, a spiritual protector, rooted in the masculine divine, and oozing with ancient luxury. 

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Watch the Garnet Stone Video for an overview of this fascinating crystal with live examples. We also answer your top 5 questions on Garnet gemstones. 

While you are there, watch the entire A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video series. We answer your questions on all of the most popular crystals. You can also post your questions and stories directly to the Youtube comments.

Can Garnet benefit you?

If one or more of the following statements vibrates with you, Garnet can benefit you:

• You seek a stone of health

• You are looking to pursue your passions

• You want to balance all of your chakras

• You are drawn to the Fire Element

• You want to strengthen your masculine energy

• You are focused on the luxuries of life

• Garnet is your Zodiac or birthstone

Find your perfect pieces in the Satin Crystals Garnet collection.

What is Garnet?

Garnets are a group of minerals residing under a common silicate structure. The group includes Almandine, Andradite, Grossular, Mozambique, Pyrope, Spessartine, and Uvarovite.

All Garnet minerals have a similar crystal base formula:

X₃Y₂(SiO₄)₃

See the X in the formula? The X can represent Ca, Mg, Fe²⁺ or Mn²⁺ 

See the Y in the formula? The Y can represent Al, Fe³⁺, Mn³⁺, V³⁺ or Cr³⁺

Depending on the final mineral composition of your stone, you will get different types of Garnet.

Also, one Garnet specimen may have a fraction of several different Garnet types but will be identified under the mineral that is most present. For example, if you have Almandine, Grossular, and Pyrope in your specimen, but the Almandine is the largest amount, it will be called an Almandine Garnet. 

What healing powers does Garnet have?

In crystal healing, Garnet is often known as the Stone of Total Health. It helps you recover from illness and traumas. Besides promoting your health, Garnet is also known to have the following metaphysical healing powers: 

• Garnet infuses the passion into your ideas, allowing them to manifest with vigor

• Garnets associate with the Fire Element, bringing transformation as you rise and shed past traumas

• Being a stone of passion, Garnet increases sexual attraction and balances the libido

• Garnets are connected to the divine masculine energy, promoting your strength and drive

• Garnet gives you that kick you need to restart your motivation

How do you use Garnet in healing?

Here are some ways you can use your Garnet stones in your crystal healing practice: 

• Hold Garnets during health manifestations.

• Keep Garnet in the Health area of your Feng Shui map (very center of your space)

• Create a crystal mandala with your Garnets to enhance creativity

• Wear Red, Orange, or Yellow Garnet bracelets to balance your lower chakras

• Wear Green or Pink Garnet pendants over the Heart chakra

• Wear Purple Garnet earrings to balance your upper chakras

• Hold Garnet during your past life regression work to release the traumas of the past

• Grid your space with Garnet tumbled stones to create a web of health

• Create a crystal layout with Garnet stones on your body to promote a healthy energy flow

• Meditate with Garnet pyramids to access the wisdom of the past and let go of that which does not serve you in the present

• Line your desk with Garnet stones to keep you motivated

• Charge your Garnet in the sunlight to activate divine male yang energy

• Gift a Garnet heart to someone who needs emotional support in their lives

• Do crystal ball gazing with a Garnet sphere to focus on physical manifestations

• Use raw Garnet stones to harness the healing energy of Mother Earth

• Place Garnets on your body according to their color for chakra balancing

What chakra is Garnet?

Garnets have healing energy processed by the Root chakra. This energy is sent out to any areas of the lower body that are lacking. However, Garnets come in every color of the rainbow (although Blue Garnets are extremely rare), so you could have a whole set for your 7 major chakras. 

Crown Chakra: Clear or White Garnet

Third Eye Chakra: Purple Garnet

Throat Chakra: Blue Garnet (very rare and expensive, you may want to substitute for a different blue stone)

Heart Chakra: Pink or Green Garnet

Solar Plexus Chakra: Yellow Garnet

Sacral Chakra: Orange Garnet

Root Chakra: Red Garnet 

To learn more about chakras and crystals, visit the Chakra Guide. 

How do you clean Garnet crystals?

Garnets crystals can be cleaned in water. Run it underwater or soak it in a bowl of water overnight. 

However, you should still be careful using the water method if your Garnet is in its raw form or has any natural fracture lines within its polished form. In this case, we recommend gently cleaning the crystal with a wet cloth. 

Garnets are relatively stable and durable for wear. However, like any other stone, they are subject to dings and cracks if not handled with care. 

If you are looking to metaphysically cleanse, charge, and program crystals, visit our Crystal Care guide. 

Do Garnets fade?

Garnets are stable to light, so they will not fade in the sun. 

If you have a dyed Garnet, it may fade depending on the dying method. 

Do Garnets change color?

Color-changing Garnets do exist but they are rare. Depending on the angle and light, the color of the gemstone will appear differently. The color change is seen when you compare the stone in different types of light. For example, it may look blueish in natural light and pinkish in indoor light. 

These Garnets are often mistaken for Alexandrite, which is one of the most popularly known color-changing gemstones. 

What is the rarest Garnet?

The rarest Garnets are the color-changing Garnets. These show different tones in different light sources. This is where you will find your elusive Blue Garnet. They are found in Tanzania and Madagascar. 

High-Quality Uvarovite and Tsavorite Garnets are also rare and expensive. 

What is the most expensive Garnet?

Demantoid Garnet is the most expensive of the Garnets. The more vivid green and clear the gemstone, the more valuable it is. If it has distinctive horsetail inclusions spraying from the center of the crystal, the value will increase even more. 

The Russian Demantoid Garnet gets its color from Chromium, so it will be the coveted green version. The African Demantoid Garnet is yellowish-green because of the high Iron concentrations and not as sought after. 

What are the types of Garnet?

Garnets come in a variety of colors from rich red to lime green and form at very high temperatures in many different types of rocks. Because of their chemical variations, you have a whole world of Garnets to choose from. 

There are over 20 varieties of Garnets, but the six main ones are Almandine, Andradite, Grossular, Pyrope, Spessartine, and Uvarovite.

Here are descriptions of some of the popular Garnet types and their chemical structures. 

Almandine Garnet Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
This stone has excellent wine-colored translucency. It is one of the most abundant and affordable of the Garnets. This popular crystal varies from dark red, brownish-red, to reddish-black. It is also known as Almandite or Carbuncle.

Almandine Garnet is easily recognizable becaues it usually forms with 12-sides and is a 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. When you buy garnet sandpaper it is most often crushed Almandine because of its hard, abrasive quality. 

Andradite Garnet Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃
These Garnets can vary from green to yellow to black. 

• Demantoid Garnet Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃ is one of the most coveted Garnets, especially in its deep green formation. It ranges from a deep green found usually in Russia to a more yellow version found usually in Africa. 

Grossular Garnet Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
A rare member of the Garnet Family with shaded patterns ranging from light to dark green, champagne to brown, and even pink. These are Calcium Aluminum Silicates whose Calcium atoms can be replaced by other elements giving it its range of colors.

• Hessonite Garnet Ca₃Al₂(SiO4)₃ + Fe These crystals are a rare member of the Grossular Garnet family. Hessonite is also known as Cinnamon Stone for its citrus-colored tones. Hessonite is often found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, and Canada. 

• Rosolite Garnet Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 is the rare pink variety of Grossular Garnets. It can vary from pale pink to deep pink. 

• Tsavorite Garnet Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ is a coveted green Grossular Garnet that is often compared with Emeralds. Vanadium or Chromium gives this stone its bright green color. They come from Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

Pyrope Garnet Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
This Garnet ranges from blood red to purple. Pyrope is the most well-known of Garnets for its red hue and it is also the most commonly mistaken for Ruby. 

• Rhodolite Garnet (Mg,Fe)₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ is a chemical mix of Pyrope and Almandine showing rosy, raspberry pink to purplish-red hues. It is sometimes mistaken for Rhodonite, which is a pink and black stone of a different origin. 

Spessartine Garnet Mn₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
This stone (which includes Spessartite and Imperial Garnet) is one of the rarer crystals of the Garnet family. Spessartine shows red-brown, violet-red, to bright orange colors. They were first found in quantity in Spessart, Bavaria, Germany.

Uvarovite Garnet Ca₃Cr₂(SiO₄)₃
This is a consistently dark green Garnet that gets its color from Chromium. One of the rarest of the Garnet family and is often mistaken for Emerald. It is usually found in micro-crystals, known as druzy formations, over other rocks. 

What is the color of Garnet?

Garnet comes in a wide variety of colors, depending on which minerals are present in its formation. Most people associate Garnet with the color red because this is the most abundant. However, as you will learn in this article, Garnet comes in almost every color out there!

Iron is the usual cause of red and brown Garnets, Manganese creates orange and pink Garnets, Calcium creates yellow Garnets, while green Garnets get their color from Aluminum, Chromium, or Vanadium. 

Sheila's personal experiences with Garnet

To me, Garnet has always been the Stone of Health. Its rich colors seem to draw up the energy deep within my Being. When I hold or wear a Garnet, I feel like my connection with the center of the Earth is being rooted down. This corresponds with the fact that Garnet is an excellent Root chakra and Grounding stone. 

For me, I enjoy the dark red Garnets that look almost black. When creating Garnet jewelry, I have noticed most people are very drawn to the more orange Hessonite Garnet tone. It sold out and is hard to find in the larger, juicier beads.

Whatever color you choose, Garnet's rooted energies are undeniable. 

Lisa's personal experiences with Garnet

Although Garnet's specialty is to bring me physical health, I love to use it for a different purpose. When I gaze upon deep red Garnet, it reminds me of fine wine. I think of it as a stone of luxury, abundance, and indulgence. I surround my business spaces with Garnet stones. I feel so refined wearing Garnet jewelry.

I adore dark red Garnet and rare orange Hessonite. While Red Jasper is a popular stone to use for Root chakra healing, I prefer elite Garnet for my layouts and practices. It is the most elegant Earth energy crystal I can think of. My favorite Garnet shapes are crystal balls, especially the smooth deep spheres that reach a dark sienna tone. Just lovely.

How can you tell real vs fake Garnet?

The best way to determine if your Garnet is real or fake is to find a reputable seller who knows what they are selling you. You can also submit your sample to a gemological laboratory, but this costs money and you may lose your stone to the process. 

If you do not have access to a reputable seller and you don't want to risk your stone to a lab, here are some tips to follow to tell if your Garnet is real: 

• Real Garnets will not melt or fade in boiling water like fakes

• Real Garnets have inclusions where synthetics may be too perfect

• Real Garnets are known for their rich deep color, so if the stone looks too light and clear, it may be a glass

• Real Garnets are at least a 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness so they can scratch anything softer and vice versa, something softer will not be able to scratch Garnet. For example, a copper penny is only a 3.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and will not scratch Garnet. 

• Real Garnets have a high clarity when polished and won't show many clouds or blurry spots

• Rare Garnets will have a price to match. If you are buying a more rare Garnet like Demantoid or Uvarovite, don't choose the bargain bin price. 

• Most Garnets are magnetic. Some are more magnetic than others depending on their mineral inclusions, but this can help rule out stones that are definitely not magnetic. 

What's the difference between Ruby and Garnet?

Ruby is a Corundum while Garnet is a silicate stone, but when you have the red versions, you can easily get confused. Pyrope Garnet is the most common crystal mistaken for Ruby because of its similar color.

Note that both Garnets and Rubies can be magnetic, so this is not a good test to tell them apart.

Here is how to tell the difference between Garnet vs Ruby gemstones: 

• Garnets have a darker color than Rubies. They may also show earthy tones like brown and yellow whereas Rubies will not. 

• Garnets are much more abundant and affordable than Rubies. 

• Garnets show a whole rainbow of colors when you look at the light reflected through the stone. Rubies absorb yellow and green, so you won't see a whole rainbow of colors. 

• Garnets are 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness whereas a Ruby is a 9. 

• Garnets are more affordable than Rubies. For example in the high-end gemstone trade, a cut Garnet could cost $5 - $5000 per carat whereas a Ruby could cost $100-$15000 a carat.  

Here are additional tips: Help with Crystal Identification

How did Garnet get its name?

Garnet got its name from the philosopher Albertus Magnus in 1270. He named Garnet after the Latin word granatum referring to the dark red seeds of the pomegranate fruit. 

• Almandine Garnet gets its name from the Turkish region of Alabanda where it was cut in ancient times. 

• Grossular Garnet is named after grossularia, the botanical name for gooseberry fruits.

• Pyrope Garnet got its name from the Greek word pyropós meaning fire-eyed.

• Spessartite Garnet is named for its occurrence in Spessart, Germany.

• Uvarovite Garnet gets its name from the Russian Count Uvarov

What is the history of Garnet?

Here are some historical events and fun facts about Garnet gemstones:

• Garnet has been used as an abrasive since the Bronze Age 3300 BCE to 1200 BCE.

• In Victorian times, Almandine Garnets were worn by women to symbolize loyalty.

• In 1885 sewer workers in New York found a Garnet that was the size of a bowling bowl and is now found in the American Museum of Natural History. 

• Men used (and maybe still use Garnets) to help them in the bedroom. 

• Carl Fabergé used Demantoid Garnets in his famous jeweled eggs that he made for the Russian Imperial family. 

• Anthill Garnets got their name because ants in Arizona push up Garnets that are blocking their passageways while they are trying to build their homes.

Is Carbuncle the same as Garnet?

Since Medieval times, a carbuncle was used to describe any red gemstone but was most commonly applied to Red Garnets.

The term is not used as much these days, and if you do hear it, it may be referring to the red skin sore of the same name! 

Where is Garnet found?

Garnet is found worldwide. Garnets are now popularly mined in the USA, India, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. 

It is also found in every type of rock formation out there: metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary. 

How do you meditate with Garnet crystals?

To meditate with your Garnet crystals, program them for your intention. Hold, wear, and surround yourself with the stones during your meditation. 

Need help meditating? We have recorded a Garnet Guided Meditation for you to follow along. 

What is the use of Garnet?

Besides use in jewelry and the metaphysical New Age world, Garnets have everyday applications. The translucent Garnets are usually reserved for jewelry and decor, but the opaque varieties are commonly crushed for industrial use. 

Here are a few ways that Garnet stones are used: 

• Garnets are used as abrasives because they are hard and sharp when crushed

• Garnet is used in waterjet cutters along with high-powered streams of water to cut things in manufacturing and mining

• Garnets are crushed to a certain size and used to filter liquids

• A unique type of Garnet that comes up to the earth in volcanic flows is a good indicator of Diamonds to be found nearby. 

What birthstone is Garnet?

According to the Modern Birthstone chart, Garnet is the proud birthstone for January. If you or someone you know were born in January, definitely work with Garnet and see if your energies are enhanced.

Garnet is also gifted on the second wedding anniversary.

Garnet is associated with the Zodiac sign of Aquarius and Capricorn. 

What does Garnet mean in divination?

Drawing Garnet in a gemstone divination session means: It's time to awaken your passions and focus on manifesting your desires.

Use your Garnet crystals to mute those nagging, negative thoughts and enhance the positive ones. Protect your subconscious mind from your nay-saying ego and finally achieve the goals you have been dreaming of. 

Magical Garnet Incantation

This is a message from Garnet from Doreen Virtue and Judith Lukomski's book "Crystal Therapy":

"Are you feeling uncertain about what you're here to accomplish? Is there a clog in your creativity, or do you want a richer sense of passion in your life? Yes, I thought so- that's why you brought me home. With color as bold as blood, I activate and help shift energy, which frees you to experiment in new ways. I remove fear, tempering your concerns by reminding you that your thoughts create experiences. When you keep focused with an attitude of gratitude, the world replaces woes with Whoas! of astonishment and happiness as you realize and manifest what were once merely dreams."

Is Garnet a protective stone?

Garnet is a spiritually protective stone. When you are doing your spiritual work, having Garnet in your aura will keep you focused on your goals and ward off unwanted thoughts. Although Garnet is not traditionally used to ward off spirits and unwanted entities, it does protect you from negative thinking and bad influences. 

For other protective stones, check out Protection Crystals. 

Are Garnets lucky?

When you align your energy with Garnet, you can draw luck to your side. When you are feeling healthy, balanced, and passionate for life, the Universe will reward you with your manifestations goals. 

Where should I put Garnet in my home?

In the home, Garnet is best kept in the bedroom to ignite the passion in relationships. It is also great under your pillow or bed to help regenerate the body during sleep.  

For Feng Shui energy, place Garnet in your "Health" center, right in the middle of your space. For more on placing crystals, visit How to Clear & Fill the Home with Crystals. 

Is Garnet magnetic?

Garnets are magnetic thanks to their Manganese and Iron inclusions. Depending on the amounts of these inclusions, your Garnet could be more or less magnetic. Spessartine Garnet tends to be the most magnetic, while Tsavorite Garnet tends to be the least magnetic. 

Who can wear Garnet?

Garnet has been a popular stone to wear since ancient times. Anyone can wear Garnets, from young to old. It is a unisex stone, attractive and durable as jewelry. Find Garnet in rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and inlaid in anything you can think of. 

Find Garnet set in large statement jewelry, faceted into discreet stud earrings, or left in its raw form as a pendant. This gender-neutral stone comes in a variety of colors but is best known for its abundant tones of red. 

Garnet is a stone known for needing very little treatment when polishing for jewelry. Once in a while, you will come across dyed Garnet beads, in which case you can test them using the acetone method. 

What is Hessonite Garnet?

Hessonite, also known as the Gomed Stone, is a distinct cinnamon-colored form of a Grossular Garnet. It is not well-known, but it is very popular with those in the know! 

Hessonite is named after the Ancient Greek word esson meaning inferior, referring to its lesser hardness and density than other types of Garnet. 

Hessonite Garnet is popular to wear in Vedic astrology associated with the shadow planet Rahu. Wearing Hessonite is believed to protect you from Rahu's demons. 

In crystal healing, Hessonite Garnets are used to calm your nerves as you astral travel. As you connect with the spirit world, Hessonite Garnets aid you in relaxation and clear communication. Many people use Hessonite Garnets to clear lethargy from the aura. 

What are the mineral facts of Garnet?

Garnet has a Mohs Scale of Hardness between 6.5-8. 

Surface Color: Red, Yellow, Brown, Purple, Orange, Green, Blue, Pink, Clear, Black

Streak Color (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): White

Group: Silicates (silicon + oxygen)

Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystals structure): Indistinct

Fracture: Conchoidal (clam-like concave like when glass breaks) to Uneven

Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to Resinous 

Transparency: Transparent to Opaque

Crystal System: Isometric (cubic)

Crystal Habit: Rhombic dodecahedron, Cubic 

What state stones are Garnet?

Connecticut, New York, Idaho, and Vermont all have Garnet as their state stones. 

Root your Energy with Garnet

Ready to energize with Garnets? Shop the Garnet Collection or get your special crystals right here: 

 

Continue your Crystal Journey

Are you ready to boost your powers with Garnet?

Garnet Shopping Guides

• Shop Garnet Jewelry

• Shop Garnet Crystals

• 7 Luxe Garnet Jewelry Showcase

Garnet Reference Guides

• Garnet for January's Birthstone

• 12 Free Garnet Affirmations

• Garnet Healthy Wealthy Guided Meditation

• Garnet Stone for a Healthy Wealthy You

• What is Garnet? Video

Helpful Crystal Resources

• A-Z list Crystal Meanings

• Join the Satin Crystals VIP Club

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How do you feel when you use Garnets for healing? Are you more grounded? Do you feel more healthy? We'd love to hear your stories or answer any questions you may have. Contact us below and we'll get back to you. 

Disclaimer: The information provided is for entertainment only. See full disclosure.