Location: San Diego County, California
Name given for the crystallized silicate gemstones that were once mined in this area. USFS Resource Officer Norm Machado of the Descanso RD. has heard that some lower quality garnet out-croppings may still be found here. Name is derived from Latin “Granatum” or pomegranate, and Old French “grenat” or dark red. Use has been known since ancient Egypt, but garnets achieved great popularity as jewelry in late 19th Century. Because their hardness and sharp fracture, garnets are also widely used as abrasives, for grinding and polishing. Mythologically, garnets are believed to ward off accidents during travel. Considered the birthstone for January.
This area was a summer use area for the Kumeyaay Mountain Cauhilla Indians.
Name first appears on AMS Cuyapaipe topo (1942).
Peak was on the original 1946 HPS Peak List.
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