January 16, 2019

           Image courtesy of minerals.com

 

January's Birthstone: Garnet

There are so many legends and myths about birthstones’ powers, and their therapeutic uses, and according to some of these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightens its already strong healing powers.

Perhaps the idea of birthstones began with the twelve tribes of Israel and are described in the Book of Exodus, but assigning particular gemstones to each month may date back even further -- to the twelve signs of the zodiac as they relate to the months of the year. Birthstones may vary based on availability and affordability in certain regions, and therefore there are multiple choices for some months.

The birthstone for January is Garnet. The name “garnet” originates from the Latin granatus, meaning “pomegranate” comparing the deep red of the garnet to the red color of the pomegranate seeds. Not a single species but rather several species and varieties, Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that comes in a variety of colors, from the deep red of the Pyrope garnet to the vibrant green of Tsavorite Garnet.  Some rare garnets are even blue, colorless, or—most rare of all—change colors in different lights.

 

The most common Garnet color is red, in fact, a beautiful range of reds, from rust colored to deep violet-red and is found all over the world, including Wyoming, Czech Republic, Greece, Russian, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and India.

It is said that garnet can bring peace, prosperity and prime health to the wearer and their surroundings. Some even call it the “Gem of Faith,” and it’s believed that to those who wear it and do good, good will come to them.

The garnet also symbolizes deep and lasting friendship … with that legend in mind, give a garnet to someone whose friendship you deeply value.

No matter why or how you wear or carry Garnet, Garnet is the perfect gemstone for those who share January birthdays and for anyone to start each New Year with a sense of goodwill, happiness, and purpose.

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