About the Mineral Garnet

The mineral garnet, in red

Most people are familiar with the semi-precious stone called garnet, which is the birthstone for the month of January. Garnet also has a long history as a mineral used in various industries. The stone's hardness and ability to fracture makes it a significant industrial abrasive.

Uses

Sandpaper is a common use of garnet.

Garnet has been used since ancient times, and is popular as the base for sandpaper and related tools including sand discs, strips and belts. Abrasive powders are made from garnet today, and it is also common as an abrasive blasting material.

Supplies

A freshly mined piece of garnet

Garnet is mined in New York, Montana and Idaho, although it is known as the state mineral of Connecticut, and imported from China, India, and Australia.

Etymology

Garnet is named for the seeds of the pomegranate.

The word garnet comes from the Latin granatus, which was a reference to the fruit called the pomegranate, whose grains resemble the red mineral's crystals.

Jewelry

Garnet jewelry is highly desireable.

The red garnet is sometimes used as a substitute in jewelry for the more expensive ruby. Other colors include orange, green, blue, black, and pink.

Antiquity

Garnet jewelry was popular among the Romans.

Garnet was one of the most common gemstones used in jewelry making in the Roman world, and was also popular among the Barbarian tribes of Western Europe.

References

• Mineral Information Institute: Garnet