symbolic meaning/use of garnet

[kitty fabulous]

someone gave me a chunk of raw garnet she had panned from a site where it naturally washed out of an old mine. (so it was mined in an environmentally conscious manner.)

what is the symbolic/ritual meaning and use of garnet? i know it's red color makes it a root chakra stone, but that's about it.

[CelticMuse]

How lucky for you to be blessed with such a wonderful gift. Garnets are used to enhance creativity and for success in business. They also increase self-esteem, and strengthen willpower. Since you have a chunck of garnet this would not be feasible, but its sometimes worn to relieve skin inflammations, and to regulate the heart and blood flow. Its also a great aid for depression. Hope this helps you out. Good luck