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GarnetThe January BirthstoneGarnet is the "official" birthstone for January. It is most commonly red however is also found in many other colours. One notable exception is blue which is extremely rare.Popular garnet jewelry you can buy includes pendants, necklaces and bracelets.
What Is Garnet?"Garnet" is actually a general term for a group of nesosilicates with the same general formula but differing components. The most well known forms of naturally occuring garnet include alamandine, andradite, melanite and pyrope. Rarer varieties include uvarovite (usually bright green) and the relatively new green tsavorite from Kenya. One of the most frequently sold forms of garnet is a dark red combination of pyrope and alamandine.The name garnet is believed to have derived from the pomegranate in reference to the pomegranate's red seeded fruit. It was also known as the "carbuncle"".
TsavoriteOne of the most popular forms of garnet is tsavorite. This is a beautiful green colour and is named after the Tzavo region of Kenya where it is mainly found. Tsavolite is a relatively new gemstone, having only been discovered in the 1960s, so there is no specific lore associated with it.
Garnet Symbolism and LoreMost of the symbolism associated with the garnet is connected with the fiery red colour that makes it so popular in jewelry. The ruby red form of pyrope often used as a gemstone is named after the Latin word pyropos - "firelike".Garnet was often said to actually emit a red light and some stories say that it was impossible to hide it - the red light would always shine through. It was also said that Noah use the glow of a red garnet to illuminate the ark. A variation of this belief in the garnet's powers of illumination is the suggestion that it could reveal hidden and items and secrets. Spiritually it is said to illuminate dark times and bring hope. Garnet has also been associated with eternity. As such it is sometimes used as a symbol of trust, devotion and loyalty. In Greek mythology Hades gave pomegranate seeds to Persephone to force her to return. This tale has led some people to use a gift of garnet stone jewellery as a token to ensure the return of a loved one.
PropertiesCombining the ideas of illumination and eternity, some cultures are believed to have buried people along with garnet jewelry to help light their way to the next world.Garnet has also been said to have healing properties. In the middle ages, knights would sometimes include garnets on their shields in an attempt to prevent injury.
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