Hessonite Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
I
Hessonite Gemstone Facts and History
The Hessonite Gemstone is an earth-colored gem that comes in shades of yellow-orange, honey, reddish, as well as rare pink. The gemstone is also referred to by the name Gomed and cinnamon stone because of its color similarities to the delicious spice.
Hessonite Gemstones are the most common variety of grossular garnets, having a mineral made up of calcium aluminum silicate. It is so common that in ancient times, it was easily mistaken for the more valuable zircon gemstone.
It was not until a British chemist, Sir Arthur Herbert Church, distinguished Hessonite from zircon and other orange-colored gems by showing its difference in density (3.57-3.73 g/cm³) and hardness, with a Moh’s scale of 6.5 to 7, much lower than the more valuable garnet and zircon.
Many Hessonite Gemstones also display a beautiful visual effect that looks like heat waves or whisky in water within the stone, often called a roiled effect. However, not all Hessonite Gemstones display this visual effect.
The name Hessonite came from the Ancient Greek word hesson, which translates to “inferior” because it was perceived to be less valuable than other earth-colored gemstones.
Despite its unpopularity, many beautiful works of cameo and intaglio pieces of Hessonite were used as jewelry by the Greeks and Romans. Even today, Hessonite Gemstones are one of the most popular gems for artisans to use for their cameo and intaglio pieces.
It was not until the 1990s that Hessonite Gemstones rose in popularity due to the discovery of the spectacular spessartite garnet that created a trend for wearing earth-toned jewelry. Hessonite Gemstones became popular inexpensive alternatives to the more costly garnet and zircon gems.
Today, the majority of Hessonite Gemstones are mined in Canada, Sri Lanka, India, and Tanzania. Secondary deposits of Hessonite Gemstones are mined in the USA, Brazil, Madagascar, China, Afghanistan, Russia, and Australia.
II
Hessonite Gemstone Uses
Hessonite Gemstones are popularly used in jewelry, particularly rings, earrings, and necklaces. Because Hessonite Gems are not relatively hard, Hessonite jewelry is susceptible to scratches, even damage from dust so utmost care and maintenance is important.
On the flip side, because Hessonite does not score high on the hardness scale, they are popularly used for carving by artisans in beautiful cameo and intaglio pieces.
Since ancient times in India, Rome, and Greece, Hessonite Gemstones have been worn or kept as talismans for their protective properties. They are believed to ward off evil eyes and protect the wearer or carrier from evil and negative spirits.
Hessonite Gems are also used as ornaments and decorative items, often used by artisans as attractive pieces in sculptures, figurines, and home decor.
III
Hessonite Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
The Hessonite Gemstone brings spiritual benefits through its grounding and stabilizing properties. The gem helps the anxious and scattered mind focus, provides them clarity, and keeps them present in their surroundings and inner thoughts.
The Hessonite Gemstone is a powerful symbol of protection. It is believed to protect wearers against negativity and spirits who wish to harm, making it a popular option for talismans.
The orange gem is also said to bring forth inspiration and creativity, especially among creative types like artists, writers, and artisans. The Hessonite Gemstones tap into the creative spirit to bring forth new ideas and insights.
The cinnamon stone is connected with the Root Chakra, responsible for grounding and stabilizing the body and spirit. It will bring forth emotional balance and stability in everyday life.
IV
Hessonite Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
The Hessonite Gemstone is itself a variety of grossular garnet. But the gemstone takes on different forms depending on the location of where it is mined.
The most coveted form of Hessonite is the Ceylon or Sri Lankan Hessonite. This form of Hessonites is the most vibrant and clear in the world and is highly sought after for its astrological symbolism.
The Madagascar Hessonite is known for its unique honey-to-reddish color, making it a distinctive shade for the gem.
V
Hessonite Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
In India, according to Vedic Astrology, Hessonite is referred to as Rahu Ratna because of its strong association with the Vedic planet Rahu. It is believed that Hessonite Gemstones can bring balance when the planet Rahu is not aligned or out of position. The Hessonite Gemstone balances out the negative effects of the Rahu planet like emotional instability, insecurity, and having enemies.
VI
Hessonite Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
The Hessonite Gemstone is one of the nine gemstones in Navaratna Jewelry, believed to represent the nine celestial gods in many East and Southeast astrology and mythologies. The other gems include Blue Sapphire, Yellow Emerald, Cat’s Eye, Diamond, Pearl, Red Coral, and Ruby.
Navaratna jewelry is typically designed having the gems forming a circle with the ruby in the middle and inlaid in gold. It is believed to bring spiritual and metaphysical benefits as well as prosperity in health, protection, and finances.
VII
Hessonite Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
The Hessonite Gemstone is not an official birthstone but an alternative birthstone for January, as a variety of the garnet gemstone. It is also sometimes given as a present for the second wedding anniversary.
The Hessonite Gemstone is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Aquarius. The stone is believed to enhance the leadership quality, creativity, and courage of the people born under said signs.
VIII
Hessonite Gemstone in Dreams
Dreaming of a Hessonite Gemstone could mean many things depending on the context of the dream and the dreamer’s situation in real life. Generally, dreaming of Hessonite Gemstones can mean stability and living a fulfilling life.
If the dream features a Hessonite being given to the dreamer, this could indicate a friend or a close person willing to help with whatever problem the dreamer has.
Lastly, if the dream features a broken or cracked garnet, this could indicate that the dreamer is avoiding an important topic or situation they need to face in their life.
IX
Hessonite Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
According to superstition, pregnant women are prevented from wearing any Hessonite stone because it may bring harm due to its association with the demon god Vala.
Superstition also dictates of wearing Hessonite rings on the middle finger to bring out the maximum benefits of the gemstone for those allowed to wear them.
X
Hessonite Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
In Hindu Mythology, the demon god Vala was causing trouble to the other gods of the Hindu pantheon. So they are forced to split Vala in multiple pieces to end his troublemaking ways. Legend says that the pieces of Vala’s body turned into gems and his fingernails turned into Hessonite Gemstones which were scattered across the East lakes.
