Garnet - MD

Andradite is a variety of garnet. The general formula for most garnets is A₃B₂(SiO₄)₃. The A represents divalent metals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and/or manganese; in the case of Andradite, it represents calcium. The B represents trivalent metals such as aluminum, chromium, iron, and/or manganese; in this case, it represents iron. The main differences in physical properties among the members of the garnet group are slight variations in color, density, and index of refraction. As a mineral specimen, garnets usually have well-shaped and complex crystals, and their color and luster can make for a very beautiful addition to a collection.

Item Size: Medium 3/4 - 1" (18-25mm)


GENERAL INFORMATION

Mineral Class: Silicates

Mineral Species: Nesosilicates

Mineral Group: Garnet Group - a group of very closely related aluminum silicates (pyrope, almandine, and spessartine) and calcium silicates (grossular, andradite, and uvarovite)

Chemical Formula: Ca₃Fe²⁺₂(SiO₄)₃

Composition:
23.66% - Calcium Ca
21.98% - Iron Fe
16.58% - Silicon Si
37.78% - Oxygen O

Environment: Igneous and metamorphic rocks

IMA Status: Valid Species (Pre-IMA) 1868

Locality: Magnet Cove, Arkansas

Name Origin: ANDRADITE – From the Brazilian mineralogist J.B. de Andrada e Silva (1763-1838). GARNET - From the seed of the pomegranate, granatum.

Andradite Garnet Sources: Arizona, California, Russia, Italy


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Cleavage: None

Color: Black, yellowish brown, red

Crystal System: Isometric - Hexoctahedral

Density: 3.7 – 4.1, Average = 3.9

Diaphaniety: Transparent to translucent

Fracture: Conchoidal – Fractures developed in brittle materials characterized by smoothly curving surfaces (e.g. quartz)

Habit: Crystalline – Coarse – Occurs as well-formed coarse sized crystals.

Habit: Euhedral crystals – Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form.

Habit: Massive – Uniformly indistinguishable crystals forming large masses.

Hardness: 6.5-7 – Pyrite-Quartz

Luminescence: None

Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)

Magnetism: Nonmagnetic

Specific Gravity: 3.9

Streak: White


METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Chakras: Base, heart, purifies and energizes all

Number: 2

Zodiac Sign: Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius

Planet: Mars

Element: Earth

Beneficial for: Attracting love; dreaming; blood diseases; regenerating the body; metabolism; spinal and cellular disorders; blood; heart; lungs; regeneration of DNA; assimilation of minerals/vitamins

It is said to be good luck to be given a Garnet but bad luck to steal one. Five hundred years ago it was used to drive off phantoms and demons. Garnet is a powerfully energizing stone that protects you, and is said to warn of approaching danger, but draws harm to enemies. Traditionally used for engagement rings, Garnet inspires love and devotion and removes inhibitions and taboos. Opening the heart, it bestows self-confidence. This stone balances the sex drive and alleviates emotional disharmony. Red Garnet stimulates controlled rise of kundalini energy and adds potency, heightening the effect of tantric sex, and attracting a compatible partner for sexual healing. Useful in a crisis, Garnet is helpful in situations where there seems to be no way out or where life has fragmented or is traumatic. It fortifies the survival instinct, bringing courage and hope. Crisis becomes challenge under Garnet's influence, and it promotes mutual asssistance. Dissolving ingrained behavior patterns and outworn ideas that no longer serve, it bypasses resistance or self-induced unconscious sabotage. With strong links to the pituitary gland, Garnet stimulates expanded awareness, past-life recall, and out-of-body experiences. Garnet activates other crystals, amplifying their effect. Square-cut garnets bring success in business matters.