Garnet
Said to bring protection and lasting friendship.
Birth month crystals: Rose Quartz
Shop garnet
Meaning & lore
The name garnet comes from the Latin granatus, meaning seed or grain, most likely for the pomegranate seeds that some garnets resemble. That link gave the stone its old reputation as a token of safe return: it was said to protect travelers and was often swapped between friends as a promise to meet again. Garnet jewelry is very old, and the stone was a favorite of rulers, from Hellenistic Greece to Victorian England. Garnet is really a group of related minerals that come in many colors, but deep red is the one most people picture.
Caring for garnet
Garnet is fairly hard (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5, depending on the variety), so it suits everyday wear. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are always safe. Steam is not recommended, and sources disagree about ultrasonic cleaners, so skip them if the stone has cracks or inclusions. Store it apart from harder stones such as diamonds and sapphires so it does not get scratched.
Birth flower: Carnation
A symbol of love and admiration.