Garnets were known in Asia Minor in ancient times. They were not often used as engraved gems for signets, as the wax tends to stick to them in sealing. Some garnet crystals are single, some clustered. There are several different types of garnets and some look like dull pebbles. Garnets were called carbuncles by the ancients, although this was also used of other red stones, such as rubies.
Carbuncle also means a large pimple on the face, or other inflamation.