GARNET
Myth/Legend | In Sailor Moon | Science & Culture




Myth and Legend


The garnet is assoicated with love, compassion, gentleness, affection, kind-heartedness, sincerity, constancy, and truthfulness. In the past, garnets were exchanged between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other, as well as to ensure that they meet again. The stone is known for bringing constancy to friendships. Garnet is also used by those who are searching for information on their past lives. For this purpose, it is usually placed on top of the head or held in the hand while meditating.

Garnet is also though known for protection. It protects wearers from nightmares, accidents, or unexpected problems. The stone itself has a high refraction of light, and in the past, it was thought to light up the darkness. For this reason, it was often carried by ancient travelers. Even Noah is thought to have used a Garnet lantern to safely steer his Ark through the night. Garnet is also thought to protect business. It is said that placing three Garnets on one's desk wil ensure success.

Many gemstones are though to have medical significance, and Garnet is no exception. Ancient Egyptions used it as an antidote for snake bites. It is often associated with the thyroid and spleen, and thought to purify the areas when held over them. Some believe that it can help with heart patients or those with poor blood pressure. It is said that if one places a Garnet under his pillow, he will be cured of depression. If a Garnet is worn around the neck, it will help a person to feel popular and have greater self-esteem.

Garnets in Sailor Moon


A garnet rests inside the Garnet Orb, the talisman held by Sailor Pluto. The Orb itself is found on top of Sailor Pluto's staff, the Garnet Rod, but it can be removed. Her eyes and the ribbons of her uniform are also the deep red color of Garnet. The characteristics said to be symbolized by Garnet are definitely parts of Sailor Pluto's personality: compassion, gentleness, affection, kind-heartedness, sincerity, constancy, and truthfulness.

Garnet is often said to help those who are searching for information on past lives, so this is a perfect stone for Sailor Pluto. She guards the Door of Space-Time, and is privy to the secrets of past and future lives. Garnet is also used for protection, to illuminate the night. Sailor Pluto leads ChibiUsa through the darkness of traveling time, and is always a protector to the young girl.

Science, History, and Culture


The name "Garnet" comes from the Latin word granatus, which many believe to be a reference to the malum granatum (pomegranate) plant. This plant has red seeds that are similar in size and color to some Garnet stones. In fact, many ancient pieces of Garnet jewelry have clusters of tiny red Garnets that resemble pomegranate seeds.

Garnets are formed when high temperatures and pressures are applied to rocks. Garnets are found in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Tanzania, Burma, India, Switzerland, and Scotland. The world's largest supply of Garnets is currently the continent of Africa. In December 1996, a student in Central Australia discovered the largest Garnet ever found, which is over one hundred feet wide.

Garnets have a mixed reputation as gemstones. They are very hard, are highly refractive of light, and are very pretty. They are also quite common, and fetch a low price. For this reason, some people consider garnets to be inferior to other gemstones. There are, however, many different colors and varieties of gemstones, some of which are very rare, making them genuinely precious stones. Garnet naturally occurs in every color except for blue, including orange, yellow, green, brown, purple, black, or colorless.

In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers named Garnet the official birthstone for January. It is also the stone for the Zodiac sign Aquarius. Garnet may traditionally be given as a gift on the second or sixth wedding anniversary.