This RAW Icositetrahedron Almandine garnet is mined by hand from a natural occurrence in Ontario, Canada. They are found encased in biotite mica, that occurs within a biotite schist (metamorphic rock) & is surrounded by a biotite gneiss. Therefore, the there's plenty of iron, which defines the type of garnet to be Almandine, with metamorphosis increasing as the distance increases from the center of the occurrence. This garnet is Pyralspite quality, which are red or orange, heavier and harder, that other types of garnets. Pyrope is a beautiful mineral that gives the garnet its red color.

With a hardness of 7 moh's, this type of garnet is often lost to the grinding down of the gemstone to become ... sandpaper!!! We can barely breathe at the thought, and are deeply saddened by the loss. Almandine garnets are common, rarely gem quality, and usually lost to industrial uses. Depending on the quantity of Pyrope, which dictates the red coloring, larger stones can fetch $50 to $400 US per carat. Malaia garnets are a pink color, quite a bit more rare, and go for approximately $1,000 to $3,000 per carat. Rhodolite garnets are a mix of almandine and pyrope that is valued for it's purplish-red or raspberry color. Garnets are not graded by GIA like other gemstones, and some brands create their own grading systems by color. For decently colored gems with some inclusions, the cost ranges from $500 to $600 per carat, while cleaner and larger stone with excellent color range from $2,000 to $7,000 per carat. Almandine garnets of 1 to 5 carats typically sell for $150 to $200 per carat, while over 5 carats $300 to $3,000. Mozambique garnet cabochons are almost always $5 to $7 per carat.

Garnet is a gemstone that has been used for centuries to ward off evil, promote good health, and encourage inner strength. Ancient times believed it to have healing vibrations because of the deep red color, which symbolizes love and life, to strengthen a mother's milk supply and for fertility. Young woman wore garnets as a charm to protect from evil spirits. Today, people around the world believe this crystal can help with their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues.

• CHAKRA: Root
• NICKNAME: Stone of Health - believed to give the wearer energy and protect against illness
• PROPERTIES: Anxiety, Depression, Aura, Balance, Bravery, Courage, Enthusiasm, Business, Comfort, Creativity, DNA regeneration, Energy, Enthusiasm, Fear, Grief, Anxiety, Inhibitions, Kindness, Legal, Metabolism, Nervous System, Heart Strength, Liver Health, Blood purification, Lung Health, Past Life, Self-Confidence, Sex Drive, Sexual potency, Stress, True Love, Trust, Wealth, Emotional Health, Truth, Kindness, Generosity, Nobility, Creativity, Inhibition, Past Life, Wealth, Grounding, Meditation, Stamina
• PLANETS: Mars
• ZODIAC: Aries, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius
• ELEMENTS: Earth, Fire
• Candle Colors: Red, yellow
• Essential Oils: Bay, Benzoin, Frankincense, Juniper, Rosemary
• Vibration: 2, 1
• PAIRINGS: Tiger's Eye, Aquamarine, Rose Quartz, Red Aventurine, Carnelian, Clear Quartz, Emerald, Fire Agate, Lapis Lazuli
• BIRTHSTONE & ANNIVERSARY: January
• CLEANING: Warm water and a soft cloth to remove impurities, then allow to dry or buff with soft cloth.
• CHARGING: Garnets must be cleansed regularly to remove any negative energy that might be attached to them. It should also be cleared after each use and stored in a dark, dry place to keep it protected from damage. It is important to cleanse your stones when you initially bring them into your home, then once or twice per month thereafter - Running Water (1 minute), Smudging (30 - 60 seconds), Sun (> an hour), Full Moon (over night), Selenite, Amethyst or Quartz, Carnelian (24 hours)

* Gemstone / Mineral: Approx. XXmm tall x XXmm wide x XXmm thick

* Pendant: Approx. XXmm tall x XXmm wide

* Wire: Coated copper - tarnish resistant