Garnets are a group of common silicate minerals that have similar crystal structures and chemical compositions. The deep blood-red crystals many think of as garnet is the semi-precious stone pyrope type of garnet. The family also includes the pure species almandine, spessartine, uvarovite, grossular and andradite; most natural garnets are made of two or more of these types and can occur in a very wide variety of formations, colors, and clarities. Because they have different chemical compositions, the hardness can vary from 6 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Green uvarovite druzy (or drusy, or druse) was formed long ago when ground water carrying dissolved silica found its way into a porous area of previously formed garnet. Then, when rapid cooling occurred, tiny quartz crystals formed on surfaces or in cavities.
Metaphysical: Garnets have been widely known for thousands of years, and it has long been known as the warrior’s stone, as soldiers from the world over wore or carried this gem as a talisman against death and injury. But it was also said to bring victory, peace and tranquility, as well as healing injuries by stopping the flow of blood.