If you were born in the month of January, you lucked out with a birthstone that is vibrant and stands the test of time.
The month of January’s birthstone is garnet, a beautifully diverse gemstone that symbolizes peace and prosperity. Garnet is also the birthstone of Aquarius in tropical astrology.
The American National Association of Jewelers designated garnet as January’s birthstone in 1912, but the custom of wearing birthstones became popular in Poland in the in the fifteenth century.
Garnets are some of the most magnetic gemstones in the world. Their susceptibility to magnets means that they can be studied in more detail than other gemstones can.
It is most commonly known as a red gemstone, but it does come in a rainbow of colors. The color palette includes hues of greens, oranges, and even purplish-red tones.
The variety of colors in garnet comes from mineral deposits like iron, calcium, aluminum, and other metals. Green garnets are extremely rare but do exist. Some garnets even change colors in certain lighting, making them the rarest garnets.
The garnet gemstone currently has six “species” that are widely accepted:
Almandine: Usually dark red in color and the most commonly used. Pyrope: Deep red in color, similar to ruby, and probably the most well-known garnet. Spessartite: Bright orange in color with a special hue. Grossular: Colorless in its purest form, but impurities can turn the gemstone into a variety of different colors. Andradite: By far the most lustrous of the six, comes in many colors but most famously green and black. Uvarovite: This super-rare species usually comes in small crystals and only in green.
THE ORIGIN OF THE GARNET GEMSTONE First, there was gernet, and now there is garnet.
Gernet is a 14th Century Middle English word that means “dark red” and is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning “seed.” Granatum alludes to pomegranate seeds that are the same dark, rich color of garnet.
Since being discovered, garnets have been found being worn by royalty. But the gemstone has been used in other ways as well.
Centuries ago, red garnets were seen adorning the necks of pharaohs in Egypt while carved garnets were used to stamp the wax of secured documents in ancient Rome. In the bible, it says that Noah used a garnet lantern to help him steer his ark.
Garnets have also been used to adorn the cups of royalty, bringing a regal allure to their dinners.
One of the most famous pieces of garnet jewelry is the Smithsonian’s antique pyrope hair comb from the Victorian era.
Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute
GARNET BIRTHSTONE MEANING Garnets symbolize truth and faith and are believed to keep the wearer safe when traveling. Some have named it the “Gem of Faith,” and believe that by wearing it, positive things will happen.
Legend says that garnets are a powerful healing gemstone that can help a person find order and focus in their day. It could also mean that a sense of calm or feeling of hope is on its way.
Some have also said if a person commits a bad act while wearing garnet, it can lead to misfortune.
Since garnet is also the birthstone of Aquarius, legend says that when sun signs (your main astrological sign) wear their matching stone, it lends the wearer the stone’s best qualities.
Garnet is a purifying stone, which means it can rid the mind and body of toxins. Coupled with the renewal of January being the beginning of a new year, many people wear garnet to revitalize themselves.
CLEANING & CARE FOR A GARNET BIRTHSTONE The garnet gemstone ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making the gemstone more susceptible to damage than diamonds.
To clean a garnet, use a soft cloth with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are ideal for cleaning garnets as well, unless the gemstone has a fracture. To error on the side of caution, you can bring your jewelry to Hannoush Jewelers for inspection and cleaning.
If you are inspired by the meaning and origin of the garnet, visit our Albany and Clifton Park, New York locations for beautiful garnet options.
Our staff would love to chat with you, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the perfect jewelry.
If you have any questions about the garnet gemstone, or looking for a new piece of jewelry visit our Capital Region locations or contact us today.
