Garnet as gemstones. The gemstone varieties occur in shades of green, red, yellow, and orange. In the US it is known as the birthstone for January. It is the state mineral of Connecticut, New York's gemstone, and star garnet (garnet with rutile asterisms) is the state gemstone of Idaho. Garnet sand is a good abrasive, and a common replacement for silica sand in sand blasting. Alluvial garnet grains which are rounder are more suitable for such blasting treatments. Mixed with very high pressure water, garnet is used to cut steel and other materials in water jets. For water jet cutting, garnet
Garnet Army also given the opportunity to purchase the T-shirts before home games. Only students are given official Garnet Army T-shirts. In January 2011 Garnet and Black Traditions began selling "Garnet Army Reserves" shirts to the public. Other gear that has become custom for the Garnet Army includes: Garnet combat helmets, garnet army hats, army combat boots, garnet & black camo body paint. Another tradition developed by Coach Horn, was initiated in 2009 to indoctrinate the students into a unified and intimidating force. At the Garnet Army Boot Camp, students were able to interact with players and coaches, and gather knowledge on