Garnet gemstone crystals are often found in plate-like layers, masses and granules of trapezohedral and dodecahedral crystals or a combination of both. It is a common crystal that is found all over the world. There are various types of garnets and they range in colors from yellow, orange, red, pink, green, brown and black.
According to legend, it was a garnet the helped to illuminate the inside of Noah’s Ark as well as one of the gemstones to adorn the breastplate of the high priest. The ancient Greeks acknowledged it as a crystal that provided light-giving properties, calling it a lamp stone. They believed that the garnet would enable the wearer the ability to see in the dark. It is a gemstone considered a sacred stone to the Aztecs, the Mayans, the African tribal elders as well as the North and South American Indians.
There is also a superstition that tells that the eyes of a dragon were of carbuncle garnets that shown brightly and could see in the dark. Ancient Asian tribes considered the garnet to be so powerfully deadly a stone that they readily found them useful for the making of ammunition such as bullets. The ancients revered it as a stone that had the ability to stimulate the heart; however, they did caution anyone who used the crystal to use it sparingly, since they considered that overuse could cause fits of anger or stroke by means of a brain hemorrhage. They found it useful to stop bleeding as well as a cure for complications of the blood. They also found it useful for healing problems of the heart, blood and lungs. They believed it was a useful crystal that protected them from evil as well as inspired subtle spiritual healing. It was also consider a means of warding off the plague.
The red garnet is a crystal that has an affinity for the astrological signs of Leo, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius. However, the various types of garnet also have an affinity to other astrological signs according to their own special colors and properties. The garnet is the birthstone for January and is considered most powerful when set in gold.
It is a masculine gemstone that corresponds to the element of fire and the planet Mars. It is also a helpful crystal that aids in stimulating and balancing the heart and root chakras as well as others–depending, of course, on the color of the Garnet.
Garnets are said to have the ability to enhance creativeness, love, commitment, healing, courage, luck, success, protection, physical strength, understanding, stability, and devotion as well as balancing the flow of energy. It is known as a crystal that can increase energy as well as enhancing the energy of other crystals in the same vicinity. It is an invigorating crystal that is useful for increasing awareness, insight, commitment, regeneration, and balancing the energy fields, while aiding in healing and comforting during times of sorrow and grief as well as bringing relief from arthritis and calming the emotions.
It a useful gemstone, although it is a small gemstone for the purposes of improving circulation and regenerating the bloodstream, menstrual cramps and other female concerns, balancing hormones, fertility, increasing sexual interest and sexuality, purification, protection against infections, stimulating the pituitary gland, increasing a sense of nurturing, physical stamina.
Many find this crystal to enhance the imagination, aiding in concentration since it is a grounding gemstone that connects to the earth element. It aids in driving away the feelings of depression and anxiety, while increasing self confidence and the ability to complete the projects that one may take on, as well as helping to reduce the complications of skin diseases and boosting physical energy. Many also find the garnet useful for relieving insomnia, while inducing a peaceful dream state and aiding in past life recall. Garnet is also a wonderful gemstone crystal for bathing.
© 2009 Sara Valor
