Rhodolite Garnet
Mohs Hardness - 7 - Found in – Brazil, Sri lanka, India, and the US Rose to medium plum, name from the Greek words rhodo(rose) and litho (stone) It is 2/3 pyrope and 1/3 almandine History – Rhodolite Garnet is a rose to medium plum colir and is approx. 2/3’s pyrope garnet and 1/3 almandine garnet. It is sometomes mistaken for rubellite tourmaline or amethyst. Garnet is one of the world's most ancient gems, and was called carbuncle by early civilizations. The name is derived from the Latin word granatum (pomegranate), this alludes to the garnet's color and seedlike crystal formation. Garnet can be found in almost every color but blue. Metaphysical - Once thought to cure fever and promote good health. Worn for protection when traveling. It is said that Asiatic tribes used garnets instead of bullets during battle, believing the red stone to be more lethal than lead. A symbol of fire, faith, truth, grace, constancy, and fidelity. It was used in ancient times to ease childbirth and stop bleeding. Legend says that a large garnet carbuncle was set on a pedestal in the center of Noah's Ark and a bright light shone from it, causing the whole ship to be illuminated day and night. It is also said that garnet that is given as a gift gives its owner loyalty and affection. But a warning is that when a garnet loses it's lustre, it's as sign of danger or disaster. It is a preferred stone for a business person, as it encourages success, especially the green demantoid. And any one who dreams of garnet is said to have the solution of a mystery soon revealed. Garnet is also thought to help the bloodstream, arthritis, circulation, hormones, and the thyroid, and to increase popularity and sexuality.