I’m Known by Many Names That Underscore My Colorful History … and Redness

CEYLON RUBY, AUSTRALIAN RUBY, Syrian garnet, precious garnet, even carbuncle … those are some of the names I have picked up along my travels through history. Which should tell you a few things: Yes, I’m predominantly red; no, I’m not as valuable as a ruby; and yes, I’ve been used as a gemstone for a long, long time. I’m the hardest garnet around, but I have a soft spot for a certain delicious garnish. It just sounds great.

Who am I?