Name: garnet Group Classification: Orthosilicate General Chemical Formula: X3Y2(SiO4)3 Both X and Y are substituted with different elements depending upon the type of garnet. Types of Garnets: pyralspites (the aluminum bearing garnets) and ugrandites (the calcium bearing garnets)
General Info: It's not very glamorous, but I was taught in mineralogy class to consider garnets as "garbage pail" minerals. This was merely to remind us that the garnet group consists of minerals with varied compositions of fairly ubiquitous elements. To simplify things for us, our professor explained that you could take a handful of whatever elements were lying around and if metamorphism was involved, a garnet could probably be made. It is important to note that garnets are only found within metamorphic rocks. Also remember, it is impossible to distinguish between the various types of red garnets in hand sample, they'd need to be identified in a lab. General Identifying Properties of All Garnets:
Commercial Uses: Used commonly as an abrasive, for grinding and polishing. Used within the timber industry. Occurrence: Ubiquitous. One of the most common minerals. PYRALSPITES
UGRANDITES:
Lore: Believed that this stone's magick is released when stone is cut and polished (Gem and Mineral Lore). Some fine garnets that displayed a brilliant red color, like rubies, were called "nophek," meaning "a glowing coal" in ancient Egypt, around the thirteenth century. Though some considered garnets as protection from wounds, Asiatic tribes used garnets as bullets with the intention of inflicting greater harm than typical lead bullets. In regard to engraved stones, garnet became a stone that preserved honor and health, as well as protection while travelling specifically if engraved with the image of a lion (The Curious Lore of Precious Stones).
Metaphysical Uses:
If you would Cherish friendship true, In Aquarius well you'll do To wear this gem of warmest hue - The garnet." (TCLoPS)
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