Garnet, called ziyawu or ziyawu in ancient China, is a group of minerals that have been used as gemstones and abrasives in the bronze age. The common garnet is red. Garnet English “garnet” comes from Latin “granatus” (grain), which may come from “Punica granatum” (pomegranate). It is a plant with red seeds, and its shape, size and color are similar to some garnet crystals.