There
are many myths and legends surrounding the garnet. One Biblical legend
is that Noah hung this gem on the ark to light his way through the dark
and stormy nights of God's wrath. A Greek myth linked to the garnet is
the story of the young goddess of sunshine, Persephone, who was
abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually released
Persephone, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which
guaranteed her return to him.
First
mined in Sri Lanka over 2,500 years ago, the garnet is also found in
Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America; and in the United
States, in Arizona and Idaho. Although most commonly known as a red
gemstone, the garnet comes in a variety of other hues, including muted
yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets—a virtual
bouquet of colors. This diversity is due to unique combinations of
elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium, and
manganese.
Archaeologist
findings of primitive style garnet jewelry among the graves of lake
dwellers dates the early use of this gemstone to the Bronze age. But
not all garnet is of gem quality. It is also a very effective abrasive
and is used commercially for grinding and polishing. Garnet coated
sandpaper is one such industrial use.
Posts
