Strength, sensuality, and passion are all properties of a beautiful red stone called garnet! A richly healing stone, Garnet’s healing properties are plentiful. Whether shimmering red, green or gold, it’s a stone that serves up self-confidence, sexual energy, and true sincerity. For those who need a helping hand in standing strong and proud on this earth, take a look at the multitude of beautiful benefits brought to the table by the Garnet gemstone.
History
This precious gemstone has long been known for its rich connections to creativity and love. The Garnet comes with a thousand stories to its name. It was said to have been the only light on Noah’s Ark, marking it as a stone that held every single note of hope that there was an olive branch waiting at the end of a great struggle.
Beyond biblical texts, the Garnet can also be found in the fables of Ancient Greece. Persephone is said to hold the key to where the Garnet first came into being. The Goddess of Sunshine was captured by Hades and carried down into the underworld. He tricked her into eating the gleaming pomegranate seeds which were said to have bound her to him forever. However, Persephone needed to walk in the light of the sun and wasn’t one to be kept shut away from the world. She struck a deal with Hades that she would split her time between the earth and the world beneath, and thus the seasons were born. The Latin word for Pomegranate is Granatum, and one glance at these bright red stones reminds you of how these jewels got their name.
Because of the tale of Persephone, the Garnet has become a stone of courage and the power of positive thinking. It is also a talisman for travelers who are looking to find their way out in the world.
Formation and composition
Most garnet forms when a sedimentary rock with high aluminum content, such as shale, is metamorphosed (subjected to heat and pressure). The high heat and pressure breaks the chemical bonds in the rocks and cause minerals to recrystallize. There are many different types of garnets and they’re all found in different parts of the world. Pyrope can be found in South Africa, Sri Lanka, China, and Madagascar, while Almandite originates from India, Brazil, and the USA. Additional species include Spessartite from China, Tanzania, Kenya, among other locations, Uvarovite from Poland, Russia, and Finland, Grossularite from South Africa, Zambia, and Myanmar, and others as well.
Physical Healing properties
Regenerates the body and stimulates the metabolism
Treats disorders of the spine and spinal fluid, bone, cellular structure and composition
Purifies the heart, lungs, blood and regenerates DNA
Boosts the immune system and energy levels
Emotional Healing Properties
Inspires love and devotion
Sharpens perceptions of oneself and others
Opens the heart and bestows self-confidence
Alleviates emotional disharmony
Activates and strengthens the survival instinct
Brings courage and hope
controls anger, especially toward the self
Activates and strengthens sex drive, this property could also be under physical healing because of the work garnet does on our hormones. For the most part our intimacy issues or resistance comes from emotions.
Spiritual Healing Properties
Cleanses and re-energises the chakras
Stimulates past-life recall
Grounds us to the earth and connects us to our Root Chakra
Cleansing and Charging
There are many ways to cleanse and charge your garnet, here’s a few examples that we recommend.
Smoke (incense or sage)
Selenite
Sunlight
Moonlight
Water (not to be held under for long)