Garnet – The January Birthstone

  THE GEMSTONE:

The word ‘garnet’ came from the word ‘pomegranate’ for the resemblance of certain red garnets to these seeds.  But garnets are found in every color except blue, and all colors are acceptable to wear for the January birthstone.  There are six distinct varieties of garnet, and all may be used in jewelry.  Within each group there are trade names common to the jewelry industry.  For instance, Rhodolite is the red variety of Pyrope garnet.

THE LORE:

 In early times, garnets were used for bullets, as it was thought that the bright red color would cause more deadly wounds.  Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the Ark for illumination.  It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians is an antidote for snakebites and food poisoning.  Garnets are a durable gemstone that is found all over the world.  They are also the gemstone for the second wedding anniversary.