Garnets are nesosilicates. Its name originates from ancient Greek as the colour resembled pomegranate seed or granatum. Garnets do not show the tendency of crystalline materials to split along definite planes, creating smooth surfaces, called cleavage, therefore, when they fracture under stress, sharp irregular pieces are formed. Because the chemical composition of garnet varies, the atomic bonds in some species are stronger than in others. The harder species are often used for abrasive purposes. It is found in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Canada, USA, Czech Republic and Spain. Source: Encyclopedia of gemstones and minerals.