Connecticut – ALMANDINE GARNET

Connecticut, another state without a designated gemstone, has elected an old favorite as its state mineral, Almandine Garnet.  Although unlike Pennsylvania (2 gemstones ago), Connecticut is one of the most plentiful sources of this brilliant gemstone in the world.

This mineral’s hardness has made the garnet useful as an abrasive, resulting in an important industry throughout Connecticut's history, the production of garnet grinding wheels, saws, and a superior variety of sandpaper, garnet paper.

The addition of the Almandine Garnet to my necklace will keep my eyes healthy, prevent panic attacks (good luck) and encourage my creativity.   (See Pennsylvania’s post for more healing properties of the Almandine Garnet.)

The Almandine Garnet was named the state mineral of Connecticut by its General Assembly in 1977.