Pronunciation: [ɡˈɑːnɪt] (IPA) 
The word "garnet" is spelled with a single "r" and two "e's" in the middle. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːrnɪt/. The "g" is pronounced like the "g" in "go" and "get." The "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "car." The "r" is pronounced with a slight roll. The "n" is pronounced like the "n" in "no" and "now." The final "t" is pronounced like the "t" in "top" and "tap."
Garnet is a noun that refers to a mineral composed of a group of silicate minerals. Its name is derived from the Latin word "granatum" which means pomegranate due to the gemstone's resemblance to the red seeds of the fruit. It typically exhibits a deep red color, although garnets can also occur in various shades of red, yellow, green, brown, and even black.
This gemstone is known for its hardness and durability, rated between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for use in jewelry. Garnet crystals often display a distinctive dodecahedral shape with twelve-sided faces. They form in metamorphic settings, typically in medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses.
In ancient times, garnets were highly prized as protective talismans and symbols of strength and courage. They were believed to offer protection against nightmares, accidents, and toxins, while also promoting healing and enhancing energy levels. Additionally, garnets were associated with romantic love and loyalty, often exchanged as gifts to signify deep affection and commitment.
Beyond their historical significance and symbolic value, garnets continue to be valued for their aesthetic appeal and versatility. Due to their range of colors, they have become popular gemstones in various forms of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Garnets are also used in industrial applications like waterjet cutting and abrasives due to their hardness and abrasive nature.
A precious stone of several varieties, the better varieties being of a beautiful red.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "garnet" is derived from the Middle English word "gernet", which was influenced by the Old French word "grenate" or "garnate". These terms originated from the Late Latin word "granatus", meaning "seed-like" or "of grain", due to the resemblance of small garnet crystals to pomegranate seeds. The Latin word "granatus" itself was derived from the Latin word "granum", meaning "seed". The use of the word "garnet" to refer to the gemstone dates back to the 14th century.
