Garnet — the Surprising Gemstone.

Garnets are a versatile gemstone that have been used in jewelry since ancient times. They come in a range of intense colors, with red being the most familiar. Garnets have a high refractive index, making them appear brilliant when well-cut. They are also durable and have a hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh's hardness scale. While some garnets are used as gemstones, others are used for industrial purposes due to their opacity and hardness. Garnets are believed to have healing properties and are associated with warmth, energy, and positive energy. There are many different types of garnets, including pyrope, spessartine, andradite, uvarovite, and grossular. Each type has its own unique color and characteristics. Garnets are found in various countries, including Australia, Russia, India, Canada, and the United States. They are a popular choice for jewelry design due to their vibrant colors and symbolism of remembrance and friendship. [Extracted from the article]