There are many known precious crystals that differ in color, structure and properties. Known among them is the black garnet stone. It has different varieties, which differ in healing and magical properties. This mineral becomes an amulet for some zodiac signs, and in each specific case, it will work differently. It is often considered as a talisman for Capricorns and Libras. It is able to increase performance and protect people from serious diseases.
Origin story
Already in Scythian times, garnet was used in jewelry. They also knew him in Rus' - there they called him “vinisa”. In the Czech Republic, where black stone is especially common, it has become a symbol of state power and patriotism.
In Ancient Persia, it was also considered for a long time a stone that bestowed power and wealth, a symbol of kings. Influential politicians and even gods were often depicted on it.
Due to its common scarlet hue, it was also called dragon's blood. The mineral received its usual name at the end of the 13th century, when the naturalist Albert Magnus compared it with pomegranate seeds.
Black garnet mining sites
Mining of titanium andradite is common in the former Soviet Union: Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
Its deposits have been discovered in the United States of America, Mexico, Germany and on the African continent. These mining sites have large deposits of andradite.
Due to low consumer demand for these gems, new deposits are not being developed.
Varieties and colors
Pomegranate has many varieties. The shade of the stone depends on the conditions in which it was formed. For example, titanium makes the stone as dark as possible, and asbestos creates impressive patterns on its surface.
Shorlomit
One of the darkest shades of garnet. Most of its deposits are located in Germany. It was often used in the creation of mourning jewelry and magical amulets to communicate with the dead. According to legends, it protects against dangers, improves the positive qualities of the owner, and helps to unlock creative potential.
Shorlomit is a talisman for active people who are ready to independently take responsibility for their lives. A person with a passive character may feel uncomfortable when wearing a stone.
Large black shorlomite.
Melanitis
Like schorlomite, melanitis is most common in Germany. Its other name is titanium andradite. It used to be widely used in mourning jewelry and memorials, but is now increasingly becoming part of elegant everyday jewelry. It is easy to process, so it can be used to create uniquely shaped jewelry.
Melanite is credited with strong protective properties. It is believed that it is able to help the owner in difficult life situations and improve well-being in case of chronic diseases.
Melanitis to improve well-being.
Demantoid
A unique stone that is found in the Urals. It is characterized by a rich green tint and patterns that appear on the surface due to asbestos inclusions. Another name for the stone is “Russian chrysolite.”
It is believed that jewelry with it can have a beneficial effect on the concentration and productivity of the owner. It also enhances the charm of its owner. The financial condition of the owner of the demantoid should also improve - primarily due to energy and responsibility.
Ural demantoid.
Rules of care
The product should feel the attention of its owner, so it is worth keeping it clean. Do not use abrasive or chemical compounds for cleaning. It is better to use the services of jewelry workshops to clean jewelry.
Basic rules that the owner of a dark garnet amulet must take into account:
- From dust and dirt settled on the surface of the stone, its magical and healing properties are lost. When removing jewelry, you should wipe it with a regular soft cloth dipped in soapy water. If the jewelry is heavily soiled, mechanical cleaning in a workshop is necessary.
- Garnet is capable of collecting all the negativity sent to the owner, so the stone must be cleaned regularly.
- You should not take a bath with the product; the quality of the stone is lost with prolonged contact with water. For this reason, it is not recommended to use natural mineral to decorate rings.
- Exposure to direct sunlight causes the surface of the garnet to fade. It should be stored in a linen bag.
Only natural stone can work correctly, and due to its high cost, garnets are often counterfeited. You need to buy jewelry that should serve as a talisman in trusted jewelry stores, checking the certificate of conformity. If you follow certain care rules and recommendations regarding wearing the product, pomegranate will help make your life easier and happier.
Medicinal properties
There are many legends associated with the healing properties of pomegranate. Because of its reddish hue, it has been associated with the circulatory system since ancient times. It was believed that the mineral was able to stop bleeding, treat heart disease, etc.
The following useful properties of such a talisman were highlighted:
- wound healing;
- treatment of joint diseases;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- improvement of metabolism;
- stabilization of the menstrual cycle;
- assistance in childbirth;
- reduction of inflammation.
In order for the stone to retain its healing properties, it should not be worn for more than 7 days in a row.
Products and prices
The price of garnets depends on the type of stone and its prevalence in nature. For example, pyropes or almadines are common, so their prices are low and fakes are almost never found. Jewelers who want to make money on them compete in the purity and skill of the cut, the originality of the frame, offer to decorate with carvings and add more expensive jewelry: pearls, mother-of-pearl, carnelian. Almost all types of jewelry are made from this garnet: pendants, brooches, rings, tiaras, necklaces, brooches in silver and gold.
Rare varieties of pomegranate are highly prized. Large specimens are rarely found, therefore, the larger the stone, the higher its value. Spessartines weighing 3-5 carats are valued at about $150 per carat, but a larger stone, 10-20 carats, will cost more than gold.
The cost is affected by the purity of the color and also the shade. For example, rhodolites from Sri Lanka cost about $130 per carat, and from Thailand about $100 due to their grayish color.
The quality of the cut is another point that determines the cost. The right cut brings out the color and shine of the garnet, which increases the price. An example again would be rhodolite. In Soviet times, this gem was mined in Karelia, but so that the stone did not lose weight, it was cut sparingly. The flaws were hidden with a thick gold frame, which was in fashion at that time. With their tricks, jewelers raised the price of the product, but did not show the beauty of the stone. Now stones from Soviet jewelry are re-cut and re-framed, giving them a second life.
Magic properties
Garnet was considered a stone associated with strong emotions. He made warriors bolder and more successful, and in love he helped to achieve understanding and sincerity.
The mineral is capable of aggravating all feelings, both positive and negative, so it is not recommended for hot-tempered people to wear it.
This is a talisman that protects travelers. It helps the owner achieve his goals, especially career ones. Pomegranate improves material well-being and protects against deception, including illusions that the person has created himself.
The magical properties of the stone help in both love and friendship: there was a sign according to which people who exchanged such talismans would definitely meet again.
Areas of application
The properties of garnets allow them to be used not only in frivolous decorations, but also in serious industries. The good abrasive properties of mineral powder are used to make grinding wheels and sandpaper. Pomegranate powder is added to cement and clay in the production of ceramics.
Instrumentation and electronics can no longer do without these crystals. But previously natural pomegranates were used, now artificial ones are grown, and the properties of the stone are already determined by man.
Amulets and talismans
The mineral was previously often used as a talisman. It was believed that garnets could change color to warn the owner of danger. Jewelry with it was used in various rituals related to the world of spirits.
You can especially often find beads made from this mineral. They are worn as a talisman against lies and illness.
Beads made of melanite.
Physico-chemical properties of stone
Property | Description |
Formula | Ca3(Fe,Ti)2(SiO4)3 |
Hardness | 6,5 -7 |
Density | 3.83 - 3.85 g/cm³ |
Kink | Rough to conchoidal |
singonia | Cubic |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Translucent around the edges, opaque |
Color | Black |
Jewelry with black mineral
Despite the fact that jewelers rarely use this mineral, you can find jewelry with it to suit every taste: bright garnet beads with pearls or elegant rings with a small dark stone. It is possible to choose the right option for any outfit.
Compared to products containing other precious stones, such jewelry is inexpensive. A medium-sized cut stone can cost around $100.
Jewelry as amulets.
Stone cost
Melanite (better known on the market as black garnet), due to its prevalence, has a very affordable price. For example, in Russia the approximate cost of jewelry with this mineral will be as follows:
- bracelet – 5400 rubles;
- set of ring and earrings, with a silver frame – 5,300 rubles.
The price of products may vary depending on the frame material and the availability of other stones.
But brush units (up to 3 cm) will cost around 500 rubles, druses (6x4 cm) - about 2800 rubles.
Reference! Kazakhstan is considered to be the place where collectible melanite is mined.
Compatibility with names and zodiac signs
Black garnet is a rather unpredictable talisman. It can easily not suit its owner and make his life less comfortable. However, the positive properties and beauty of the stone justify experiments.
The least suitable stone is considered for Pisces and Cancers. As a rule, representatives of these signs are calm and not very active.
It is best suited for purposeful Capricorns and bright Scorpios. Decoration will help these signs not only achieve ambitious goals, but also establish warm and trusting relationships with others.
For Aquarius and Gemini, the pomegranate will give them the opportunity to focus on one goal that is most important to them.
The most suitable owners of the mineral are men with the names Anton and Vasily. It will have a favorable effect on women with the names Alla, Lyudmila, Maria, Tamara or Galina. To the owners of these names, the stone will give prudence, determination and courage, and will help create a family or improve relationships within it.
Meaning in astrology
Astrologers find it difficult to give a definite answer to the question of which zodiac signs the pomegranate is suitable for. Its action and power defy logic. Compatibility can only be determined experimentally. If, after a person began wearing an amulet with a garnet, energy increased, improvements began in life, conflicts stopped, then the stone is suitable. If everything does not go as planned, then it is better to choose a calmer and more predictable talisman.
Experts agree that pomegranates are contraindicated for Pisces and Cancers. These signs are characterized by self-doubt and nervousness. Garnet stone will enhance these personality traits, exacerbating conflicts with other people, demoralizing and driving depression.
Garnet is a stone of strength and passion, it is fueled by it, therefore it will not help the passive and calm signs of Aries, Taurus, Leo, but it will not harm either. Others can wear garnet jewelry without fear.
- Capricorn. The most successful combination of sign and stone. Capricorns with garnet achieve high results in their careers, recharging themselves with strength. Capricorns become more emotional and warm when communicating with other people, this will open up new opportunities. Capricorn women wearing garnet jewelry become more attractive in the eyes of men, quickly arrange their personal lives and are happy in family life.
- Scorpion. They are full of internal contradictions that result in emotional outbursts. Pomegranate will cool down excessive passions and love of love. But caution won't hurt. Moderation is good in everything. We cannot pacify the excessive ardor of grenades; we will have to resort to other means.
- Aquarius. The stone does not have a beneficial effect on all representatives of the sign. First of all, for a stone to help in love and career, the energy of Aquarius must be directed towards achieving a specific goal, and not into emptiness, it must be creation. Aquarians are incorrigible dreamers. Pomegranate will help you cope with this and will sober you up, but only if daydreaming has not become a way of life.
- Sagittarius. For people of this sign, garnet will give sensuality, which is usually lacking. This will help improve relationships and find happiness.
- Twins. A pomegranate will give you confidence, help you choose a goal and not get lost on the way to it.
- Scales. These are people who doubt everything. The pomegranate talisman will help you make a decision or choice.
Garnet is a stone of positivity, fun and energy. It revives any person and adds spice to any event.
Black pomegranate according to the dream book
According to the Family Dream Book, garnet decorations in a dream warn of the need to be more rational about spending in reality, otherwise financial affairs will worsen.
According to David Loff's dream book, a pomegranate in a dream is a favorable sign. A stone found or donated in a dream foreshadows the resolution of problems in reality.
If the dreamer lost or gave someone a pomegranate, in reality he may miss the opportunity to improve his financial situation, including under the influence of other people.
Combinations of black garnet and other minerals
This is a bright stone that is not compatible with all minerals. It interacts best with equally bright stones belonging to the element of fire, or, conversely, with stones of the element of air.
For example, it is possible to choose the following combinations with black garnet:
- diamond;
- ruby;
- rhinestone;
- beryl;
- amethyst;
- cornelian;
- pyrite.
Combinations with aquamarine, jade, opal, turquoise, and green emerald are undesirable. It is believed that such a talisman can reduce the owner's ability to concentrate.
Garnet in silver.
How to distinguish a real stone from a fake
Compared to other gemstones, this one is rarely counterfeited. Nevertheless, fake products do exist.
Here are some signs you should pay attention to when purchasing:
- The shade of natural stone is uneven. A completely monochromatic surface indicates that the stone is artificial.
- Natural mineral most often does not reach large sizes. Its average size is about the size of a large coffee bean.
- Real minerals, unlike fake ones, become electrified upon contact with wool.
- The inscription “nano-garnet” indicates that the mineral is artificial. Sometimes they try to sell such grenades at the price of natural ones.
- This is a hard gemstone that jewelers give it a round, emerald, or princess cut.
There are also laboratory research methods to determine the origin of the stone.
Place of Birth
Garnets are mined all over the world. Their deposits are found on almost all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. Pomegranates are found in Russia, the USA, Germany, Mexico, Australia, Zambia, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and some other countries.
In Russia, the largest deposits are located in Yakutia (very rare fiery red pyropes are mined there), on the Kola Peninsula, Chukotka and the Urals. It is the Ural mines that supply jewelers with a significant portion of green uvarovite.
In the USA, on the border of the states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona, one of the most amazing types of this gem is mined: “Ant”, or “Arizona” garnet.
These tiny stones, no more than one and a half carats, are brought to the surface by ants when building their “palaces”. The surprising thing is that, despite all the efforts, it was not possible to detect these bright red granules using the mine method.
How to wear it correctly
It is recommended to wear a pomegranate 2 days a week - Tuesday and Saturday. It is believed that these days it has the strongest positive effect.
Constantly wearing jewelry can cause it to lose its healing and magical properties. It is important that the jewelry is close to the skin. Do not expose it to low temperatures or aggressive chemicals.
Decorations for two days a week.
Interesting Facts
Many legends of different peoples and eras are associated with the stone:
- The Mongols believed that pomegranate was the frozen blood of dragons from legends.
- According to some reports, the mineral was in the lamp of the biblical Noah's Ark.
- In ancient times, pomegranate was compared not only to fruit, but also to fire. Its second name - “carbuncle” - translated from Latin means “coal”.
- Magical traditions of different countries compare pomegranate with blood. For example, in North America it was called the blood of ants.
- The stone is associated with power, charm and honor among different peoples. The Persians created portraits of rulers on it, the Czechs made it one of the important state symbols, and Italian legends say that the stone will shine only in the hands of an honest person.
Black garnet is a stone that, according to legend, has many beneficial properties for its owner. Its elegant beauty captivates people from all over the world.