Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. Garnets are commonly red but also come in an extraordinary range of beautiful colors, including orange, yellow, purple and vibrant green. There are even garnets that change color from blue to purple in different lighting. Some believe the true value of the garnet birthstone is its power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the history and significance of the garnet and why it makes a great birthstone.The garnet gets its name from the Latin word “granatum”, meaning “pomegranate”, due to its resemblance to the red seeds of the fruit. It has been used throughout history as a symbol of protection and strength, and was even believed to ward off evil and negative energy. Today, it is often given as a symbol of love, loyalty, and commitment.
Garnet is actually a group of several minerals. Five of these – pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular and andradite – are important as gems. Pyrope and almandine range from purple to red. Spessartine is found in exciting oranges and yellows, while andradite is mostly yellow to green (the gem variety demantoid). Grossular may have the widest range, from colorless through yellow to reddish orange and orangy red, as well as a strong vibrant green called tsavorite.
The different types of garnet range between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. As a January birthstone, the garnet is the perfect gift for those born in the new year. Whether it’s a necklace, earrings, or a ring, a garnet is sure to bring joy and love to whoever is receiving it.