MONTANA GARNET: HELENA AND RUBY RESERVOIR LOCATIONS
Garnets are a very beautiful yet relatively common gemstone. We get our Montana garnets mainly from 2 locations. The garnets are of the pyrope-almandite varieties but it does seem that the 2 locations produce different color ranges. We see bright red and orange red, usually from the alluvial deposits of the El Dorado sapphire bar. The other location is near the Ruby Reservoir in southern Montana. Here the almandite-pyrope garnets exhibit a very violet red color. Both locations seem to produce sizes that range from very small chips to over 5 carats in size, but generally in the 1-2 carat size and both can produce gem quality crystals that make fantastic faceted gems.
IDAHO GARNET, EMERALD CREEK, ST. MARIES
Our Idaho garnets come from the hills in North Idaho, near Saint Maries. This area holds many surprises for those that wish to spend their time looking for hidden treasures. We’ve done the work for you and brought you garnet in every shade ranging from rich warm reds to grape-juice purple. Perfect for the January birthday people or anyone that enjoys a splash of color!
GARNET FUN FACTS
Traditional January birthstone and accepted gift for the 18th wedding anniversary.
GEMSTONE PROPERTIES:
Hardenss ranges between 7.0 and 7.5 on the Mohs Scale. Idaho garnets are usually a variety known as almondite, though pyrope is also quite common. Almondite garnets vary in color from orange-red to blood-red to grape juice-purple. The Idaho 4 and 6 ray star garnet is produced when silky rutile inclusions are present causing an asterism.
HISTORY OF GARNET:
It is considered good luck to receive a Garnet as a gift. Native American Indians used red garnets as bullets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound. In the Middle Ages, Garnet was used to ward off harm and increase chivalry, loyalty and honesty. Garnet has always been considered insurance for travelers against misfortune. It was worn by the crusaders as an aid to safely find their way home.
TRADITIONAL HEALING PROPERTIES:
Health, awareness, commitment, removing negativity, regeneration, order and insight. The red stones are used to stop bleeding. Also used to cure inflammatory diseases and smooth discord. Many early cultures believed that garnets were helpful in preventing and curing blood disorders and infections.
ADDITIONAL HEALING APPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH GARNET:
The red varieties of garnet are believed to increase passion in all areas of life. Garnet is thought to attract love and soul mates and to enhance creativity. Some believe that it is useful in warding off bad dreams and can be used as protection from theft. It is thought to help heal oneself and friends but bring harm onto enemies.
Garnet is the associated stone for the Red Chakra named Muladhara. Location of this chakra is the base of the spine and it is responsible for sensuality, action, vitality and touch. Imbalances of this Chakra are said to be responsible for anxiety, irritable bowel and lack of energy.
