The word garnet comes from the 14th‑century Middle English word gernet, meaning 'dark red'. It is borrowed from Old French grenate from Latin granatus,from granum ('grain, seed'). This is possibly a reference to mela granatum or even pomum granatum ('pomegranate', Punica granatum), a plant whose fruits contain abundant and vivid red seed covers (arils), which are similar in shape, size, and color to some garnet crystals.
