The January Birthstone - Garnet
Garnets are found all around the world, they have been widely praised for their beauty and powers over thousands of years. For those who are born in January this stone is also their birthstone. Often confused with rubies in the past, this stone comes in a variety of colours. The stone is most commonly associated with its red variations which are similar in colour to a pomegranate. Garnet's name comes from the Latin word granatus meaning pomegranate. They are found all over the world in varying colours, despite this garnets are well known for their deep red hues.
Garnets over the Years
We have admired garnets for thousands of years, using them in jewellery and wearing them for protection. Garnet has been admired for the fire within the stone, which has even been thought to alert the wearer to a danger nearby. Commonly worn as a protective talisman to shield from negative energy on spiritual journies and even poison. Red garnets are thought to be a stone of love and commitment which can bring warmth and honesty to a relationship. Furthermore, this gemstone was said to have been the only light source on Noahs Ark. The Greek's even believed that this stone could enable the wearer to see in the dark when worn around the neck.
This stone was cherished by the ancient Egyptians, who were commonly found wearing garnet jewellery in their tombs. Garnets only lost prominence when Cleopatra came to power with her preference for Emeralds. Garnet jewellery has been found in Egyptian tombs from 5000 years ago making them some of the oldest gemstones used in jewellery.
The Different Colours of Garnets
Garnets are actually a selection of closely related minerals that make up a group. Added elements give each group their different colours, they all share the same crystal structure. There are five different varieties of gem grade garnet: pyrope, almandite, spessartite, grossularite and andradite. Including the gem grade garnets, there are over 20 different types. Below are the colours of the five main varieties of garnet and their colours, but there are also mixed varieties.
- Pyrope - Reds
- Almandite - Red, Purple- Reds
- Spessartite - Oranges and Reds
- Grossularite - Greens, Yellows and even Colourless
- Andradite - Red, Yellow, Brown, Green or Black
Healing Properties and Beliefs
Garnets have the ability to purify and balance energy, this is a common theme across many cultures. It is a spiritual stone for many which can assist with higher thinking and self-empowerment. Native American's healers believed that this stone could protect against injury and poison. The colour of garnets most commonly being known for their deep reds has given them an association with blood, the heart and inner fire/ life force. For instance, this gem is considered to symbolise love. Even more so, when garnet is given to a friend it can symbolise their safe return.
In addition to these beliefs, nowadays this stone is thought to give one courage when feeling like they are in a hopeless situation. Moreover, it is said to be able to open your heart and remove inhibitions laid upon you by others or dissolve behavioural patterns that no longer assist you. In other words, there are many benefits to having a garnet in your life.
Tsavorite - A Grossularite Garnet
Tsavorite is a green garnet which stands out from the rest of the group for its rarity, intense colour and value. Tsavorite is part of the grossularite branch of garnet which is known for its green, yellow and orange toned garnets. This green garnet variety has a more consistent colour range which makes for easier matching when making jewellery. Tsavorite can rival the well-loved emerald, due to its hardness and fantastic colour. Most tsavorites are found in East African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. Tsavorite is a relatively new stone to the market as it was discovered in the 1970s and was named after the Tsavo National Park in Kenya which it was found in proximity to.
Tsavorite is believed to be a gemstone that can attract abundance, health and joy. In addition, it can transmit its benefits on through the eyes of all who view it, inspiring all who see it. Similarly to red garnet, this stone is also thought to be a stone of strength.
We always recommend choosing a gemstone that you feel a connection to despite whatever your birthstone is. Nevertheless, with many fantastic gems to choose from, this can be hard. To view more of the gemstone jewellery that we have available at Weir & Sons, please click the link below.