Vermont – GROSSULAR GARNET

Throughout history the Garnet has been considered a symbol of love and compassion.  It has been used to represent purity and truth in relationships as well as in business.

Although we usually think of garnets as red, the Grossular Garnet is typically green, but can be colorless, yellow, red, brown or combinations of any of these.

As far back as biblical times, garnets have been used to light the way for sea goers.  Because of its guiding quality, the garnet was the stone of choice to direct travelers and to keep them safe on their journeys.

The Grossular Garnet is the stone used to stimulate success in business.  Rumor has it that if you put 3 or more garnets on your desk, a failing business can be improved.

It is also believed that if you put a garnet under your pillow it can cure depression. 

When worn as jewelry, they can make a person more popular, improve their self-esteem and make them a better friend.  The Garnet can make you attractive to other people by bringing out your best qualities. 

Known also as a stone of service, the Grossular Garnet will encourage one’s desire and ability to serve and energize the cooperative spirit.  The Garnet is thought to encourage creativity, so can be the stone of artists, poets, and inventors.

A very powerful healing stone, the Grossular Garnet can aid in the health of the thyroid, kidneys and spleen, reduce acid reflux and encourage rapid healing after an injury.  It is believed to prevent the onset of arthritis and rheumatism and to protect one’s skin.  (A good thing to know for this sun worshipper.)  Grossular Garnet can be useful when treating disorders of the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and the circulatory system.  It can reduce anemia, blood pressure issues, exhaustion and muscle inflammation.

The addition of a Grossular Garnet to my necklace will bolster my confidence, foster my creativity and give my skin the youthful glow; all of us baby boomer gals strive for.

Vermont adopted the Grossular Garnet as its official state gem in May of 1992.  At the same time it made talc its official state mineral and marble its official state rock.