Garnet - The Birthstone For January

Garnet, the birthstone for the month of January, has been in use since time immemorial. Garnet rings and Garnet earrings make a wonderful gift for any occasion.

garnett shoes

Availability
Garnets are found in many places including Kenya, Sri Lanka, Mexico, China, India, Canada and USA. One of the largest garnet deposits have been found in New York.

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Garnets are available in many colors including red, orange, yellow and green. They are usually available in the shops as a deep-red colored gemstone. Shades of green and yellow are not uncommon; however, blue garnet is a rarity. Garnets exhibit great brilliance, due to their high refractive index. The shape of a garnet is generally round like that of a grain; hence, the name. The color and shape of garnets resemble that of ripe pomegranate seeds.

Composition and Varieties
Garnets are basically silicate minerals, composed of silicon and oxygen, along with minerals like manganese, magnesium, Iron, aluminum or Calcium. Garnets are actually a family of minerals having similar physical and crystalline properties. Six common species of garnets are recognized based on their chemical composition.

They are pyrope (red), almandine (deep red to purple), spessartine (red to fiery orange), grossularite (brownish yellow), uvarovite(green, due to presence of chromium) and andradite (black or vivid green). Of these, the best known and largely available is the red garnet, the pyrope. The most prized among the green garnets-the andradites- is the rare demantoid.  

Properties and Uses
Garnets are fairly hard (7-7.5 on the Mohs scale) and hence, are easier to maintain or to work with.  Although their primary use is as a gemstone, they are also used for abrasive purposes as well. Garnets are the symbol for health and passion. They help stimulate the blood flow in the body and help in controlling depression or negative feelings by provoking the pituatary glands.

The garnet is also the stone for the second year wedding anniversary. Further, it is known as the stone responsible for a successful business. The price of the garnets varies with the availability of the particular type in the area, and the desired quality. A 10mm red garnet is available at an affordable price range of 5 to 10 USD per carat

Garnet - The Birthstone For January

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January Birthstone

January - Capricorn BirthStone

garnet engagement rings

With every calendar month, there is a specific gemstone that serves as a birthstone for people born during that moment. It is widely believed that these jewels are lucky. Not only are birthstones considered to be good fortune, but they also have specific meanings that are often said to reflect a personality trait of the holders.

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The birthstone is a sign of a precious material that symbolizes the month of birth. It's meaning and significance according to month. There have been many different sets of birthstones used throughout history and in different cultures.

Zodiac is divided by astrologers into twelve equal divisions featuring individual signs. Therefrom, astrology is known as the study of the movement and relative positions of celestial bodies and their supposed influence on human affairs. To put it simply, zodiac jewelry is that which features your sign as determined by astrology and your birthdate.

What's the sign of January?

Capricorn is the tenth sign in the zodiac and is the term given to anyone born between December 22nd and January 19th. Thought to be disciplined and reliable, individuals who carry this sign are also said to be careful and practical. Zodiac jewelry representing Capricorn will feature the Goat.

The birthstone for the month of January and the anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage is Garnet. All species of garnet have been used as gemstones. Garnet displays the greatest variety of color of any mineral, occurring in every color.

This gem is usually dark red in color but can range through yellow to brown to orange shades. The rarest garnet by far is the blue garnet, a recent find only occurring in color-change stones. These are stones which change according to the type of light they are under and are themselves very rare.

Garnet is fairly inexpensive and looks good set in both gold and silver. To give a garnet is a symbol of loyalty and devotion. it was believed to have magical properties, assuring the wearer of love and faithfulness.

January Birthstone

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Garnet Birthstone Jewelry

Garnet birthstone jewelry has been known to have healing properties, due to the unique properties of the garnet stone. The red garnet have been known to improve blood circulation, reduce heart palpitations and remove toxins from the body, as a matter of fact there are still places in the world where people would wear garnet jewelry because of their belief in its healing properties. Antique garnet jewelry has also been associated to provide courage and stability to the wearer. Some ancient warriors would wear garnet gemstones whenever they would go to battle due to this particular belief. There are some who believe that garnet jewelry gives a calming effect and is known to protect the wearer from anger as the garnet would absorb the negative feelings. The same belief also says that danger may befall the wearer if the garnet would start to lose its luster.

garnet necklace

Garnet stones come in different shades - violet, orange, yellow, green, brown, black, red or colorless. Among all these shades, the most famous would be red. This is the reason why most garnet gemstone jewelry comes in this particular shade. The difference between a ruby and garnet can be determined by its color elements.

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There are a lot of websites where you can purchase garnet birthstone jewelry. These websites would be able to provide you the price as well as the design that you would be looking for. Garnet jewelry can be dramatic due to the color of the garnet stone. This is ideal when it comes to different settings. You would mostly find garnet rings, earrings and more with a mixture of diamonds and garnets, as the contrast can be most flattering to anyone who would wear it.

Antique garnet jewelry (even those that are faux antique and just styled to look vintage) is also very popular and stylish these days. In order to know that you are getting good quality garnet gemstones, it would always be wise to consult a professional prior to the purchase. This way, you would be able to know that you are getting the correct value for your money. Garnet birthstone jewelry is an excellent choice for those born in the month of January, and is a wonderful alternative to more common stones, offering a unique, vibrant and beautiful flair!

Garnet Birthstone Jewelry

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Garnet Gemstone Jewelry - January's Birthstone

Garnet gemstones have been treasured for thousands of years and they are considered to be one of the world's most ancient gems. Use of garnets as gemstones have been traced to Egyptian artisans in 3100 B.C. Garnets were named by the ancient Greeks who thought the stone resembled a pomegranate. Garnets have been used in bracelets and brooches since the latter part of the 19th century. They have also been used as abrasives for materials such as glass, metal, plastic, wood, and leather due to their sharp fracture.

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Garnet makes a popular gemstone for jewelry for several reasons. Garnets are a reasonably cost-effective gemstone. They are also known for their beauty. There are several different kinds of garnet that make up many different colors. The best known color for Garnet is reddish brown. Garnet can be found in every color except for blue. Garnet is January's birthstone and can be found in a wide variety of pieces of jewelry. They are a popular gemstone for Valentine's Day gifts and are beautiful when they are paired with diamonds.

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Their durability also make them a good choice for jewelry. Depending on the variety of the stone, they can rank between 6 and 7.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. They can be found in many different shapes and sizes. The gold are silver settings can complement the colors of garnet quite well. The violet red shades look beautiful in white gold, silver, or platinum while the reddish brown shades look best in yellow gold.

Garnet jewelry is relatively low maintenance as well. Garnet jewelry can be cleaned by soaking it warm soapy water and being gently scrubbed with a toothbrush. With proper care, garnet jewelry can last a lifetime.

Garnet Gemstone Jewelry - January's Birthstone

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Birthstone Origins: Stranger than Fiction

In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus tells the story of the Breastplate of Aaron, used in religious ceremonies. (Aaron...just in case you were absent from Sunday school that day...was the Biblical figure who performed, at Moses' direction, the miracles that confounded Pharaoh and his magicians.)

garnett shoes

Aaron's breastplate was adorned with four rows of gemstones, three gemstones in each row, in the following pattern: Sardius, topaz, carbuncle; emerald, sapphire, diamond; ligure, agate, amethyst; beryl, onyx, jasper. These twelve gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve positions were later co-opted by astologers who linked them to the twelve months of the calendar year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.

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The Traditional Birthstone List contains these older birthstones and represents birthstone traditions heralding back to the 15th century. The Modern Birthstone List was created by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 in Kansas City, Missouri. Gemstone purists complained that the NAJ list was devised solely for commercial purposes (they probably didn't believe in Santa Claus either!). As a result, astrologers who prescribed gems often substituted alternate or secondary stones. The Mystical Birthstone list below originated in from Tibet over a thousand years ago. The Ayurvedic Birthstone list is derived from age-old Ayurvedic Indian Medicine, a practice of native people for more than a century.

Month Modern Traditional Mystical Ayurverdic

January Garnet Garnet Emerald Garnet

February Amethyst Amethyst Amethyst Bloodstone

March Aquamarine Bloodstone Jade Bloodstone

April Diamond Diamond Opal Quartz

May Emerald Emerald Sapphire Agate

June Pearl Alexandrite Moonstone Pearl

July Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby

August Peridot Sardonyx Diamond Sapphire

Sept. Sapphire Sapphire Agate Lapis Lazuli

October Opal Tourmaline Tourmaline Jasper

November Yellow Topaz Citrine Citrine Pearl

December Turquoise Lapis Lazuli Onyx Ruby

Astrologically speaking, your place on the Zodiac is more meaningful than your birth month for tapping into your "power," which has led to the creation of the following list of "Star Stones" related to the star under which you were born, rather than the day.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Ruby, Agate, Garnet

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, Amethyst,

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) - Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Bloodstone

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) - Bloodstone, Diamond

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) - Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald

Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20) - Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl

Cancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22) - Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby

Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 22) - Tourmaline, Sardonyx, Onyx

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) - Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Sapphire

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) - Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - Aquamarine, Topaz

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz

So whether you choose an emerald from the Breastplate of Aaron, a moonstone from Tibet's mystical birthstone list, an opal for its ayurvedic birthstone properties, or your very own "star sign" representative...may the force (of the birthstone) be with you!

Birthstone Origins: Stranger than Fiction

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Garnet: The January Birthstone

For those who are born in the month of January, they should be familiar to their birthstone, which is garnet. It is a wonderful stone with great properties and a variety of uses. It is recognized as the birthstone for January and is used as a gem for jewelry, but it is also a material that is used in industrial processes.

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Garnet is a wonderful gemstone that comes in many different shapes and colors. But there is more to garnet than being a birthstone of January. Let's take a look at some of the facts about this wonderful gem.

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The Uses of Garnet

Garnet is considered to be one of the most, if not the most versatile gems in the world market today. The use of garnet can be traced back to the ancient times, particularly the Bronze Age, when it was primarily used as an abrasive and a gemstone. Today, industrial garnet is far more valued in aggregate terms than gem garnets. The production of garnet for industrial processes is at least 50 times bigger than the production of gemstone garnet.

The first documented use of garnet for industrial processes can be traced back in 1878, when Barton Mines Corp. manufactured it as a coating for sandpaper. Today, aside from being an abrasive, it is also used to cut steel in water jets under high pressure. States like Alaska, California, Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Idaho have wonderful sources of garnet.

Garnet is also used as an indicator for determining the stages of rock formation. It is used in the process of defining the metamorphic stages of rocks. It is also used to detect the formation of igneous rocks.

Pure garnet crystals are commonly used as gemstones for jewelries. Let's take a look at the different qualities of a garnet as a gemstone.

Garnet Gemstones

Garnet gemstones come in different colors and can change colors if they are placed against different kinds of light. The more popular colors of garnet gemstones are pink to purple red or brownish red. Actually, the colors of garnet gemstones cover the color spectrum pretty well. Some people would say that one can find any color of garnet except for blue. In reality, there has been documented evidence that there exists blue garnet. A blue garnet specimen was discovered in the last decade in Bekily, Madagascar.

Almandine and Pyrope are popularly known as the most common types of garnet, and perhaps the most affordable ones. Rhodolite is also a popular type and this is usually mined in places like India, Africa, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Another type of garnet is the Tsavorite, which is usually found in Kenya and Tanzania.

History had been witness to the different mystical powers that are associated with garnet. Modern legends would tell us that garnet stones are associated with night vision and success. In the tradition of the Hebrews, garnet is believed to be one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aaron. While in Christian tradition, garnet is associated with the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and is therefore connected with the concept of salvation. It is also believed that in the story of Noah, he used a large piece of a red-colored garnet to be able to illuminate his ark during the great storm. The Quoran also refers to garnet as the light of the fourth heaven.

There are also beliefs that garnet can be used to ensure safety during trips. It is also believed that garnet can cure diseases and food poisoning.

Garnet is a gemstone that got its name from the Greek word "granatus" which literally means "grain." It refers to the likeness of the structure of the gem to a group of grains. It is also associated with the pomegranate fruit, which resembles the color of the most common garnets and whose seeds resemble the structure of the gemstone.

No matter what kind or what color of garnet we might prefer, one's thing for sure- that garnet stones are definitely versatile and beautiful. One doesn't need to use a microscope to be able to appreciate the beauty of garnet. The people who were born in January are very lucky to have garnet as their gemstone.

Garnet: The January Birthstone

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Do You Know Your Birthstone? Is Yours a Precious Or Semi-Precious Stone?

I say all girls should be showered with diamonds, you won't find a more brilliant precious gemstone than the diamond. The Ruby is second after the diamond in hardness, so cheer up July babies! The Sapphire family, also as hard as the Ruby, and Emerald are considered Precious stones. All gemstones other than the Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire are called Semi-Precious, this doesn't necessarily mean less expensive, take the very popular and rare Tanzanite, for example, which can cost as much as a diamond depending on its quality. In my opinion, all precious and semi-precious stones are beautiful and valuable for different reasons and in the end which ever one you are drawn to is the one you will love to wear.

garnet bracelet

There are different charts for birthstones, here's a traditional one:
January: Garnet February: Amethyst March: Bloodstone April: Diamond May: Emerald June: Alexandrite July: Ruby August: Peridot September: Blue Sapphire October: Tourmaline November: Citrine (orange) December: Turquoise

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The more commonly known chart has birthstone changes to March, June, October, November and December:
January: Garnet February: Amethyst March: Aquamarine April: Diamond May: Emerald June: Pearl July: Ruby August: Peridot September: Blue Sapphire October: Opal November: Yellow Topaz December: Blue Topaz

The least popular color gemstone is the Peridot, the lime green color does not appeal to many and August born ladies seek out the deeper green Tourmalines. I personally like the Peridot, a fresh color to wear come Spring. Give Peridot a chance, when set in a beautiful piece, it can truly shine and make a strong statement.

There is also have a Zodiac Birthstone chart:
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) - Ruby Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 21) - Garnet Pisces (Feb 22 - March 21) - Amethyst Aries (March 22 - April 20) - Bloodstone (Jasper) Taurus (April 21 - May 21) - Sapphire Gemini (May 22 - June 21) - Agate Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Emerald Leo (July 23 - August 22) - Onyx Virgo (August 23 - Sept 22) - Carnelian Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 23) - Peridot Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 21) - Aquamarine Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) - Topaz

Precious and Semi-Precious stones are naturally formed in the Earth, thousands of years in making, the endless process of geologic changes bring various stones into being. Just think about the time, the movement and force that gives birth to mountains and new lands, the displacement of rocks and continents, the hot magma and years of cooling, all these amazing earthly changes that is continuously occurring and that bring forth all these fascinating colorful Crystals and Rocks that we then take, cut and polish into beautiful Gemstones. It's no wonder they have exercised such power over the human race from the very start. Today, you will also hear about color enhancement and treatment, most gemstones have had some sort of treatment. Did you know that the Tanzanite that you see with its royal purple blue color is truly brown in its natural state? That beautiful hue comes forth from a special heat treatment. Treatment and enhancements are common and most gemstones have had some type of treatment. A treated or enhanced stone is still a natural stone.

However, not to confuse with synthetic stones which are grown in labs. What has taken millions of years for Earth to create, today humans can speed up the process in a lab. A synthetic stone will have identical composition as the naturally occurring stone, and will be a little less expensive. Earth's creations will always have greater value. Gemstones are used to adorn the body as well as heal the body, since the beginning of the human race these colorful mesmerizing rocks have never stopped being a source of great fascination.

Do You Know Your Birthstone? Is Yours a Precious Or Semi-Precious Stone?

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Crystal Birthstone For January - Garnet

For all those born in the month of January, your Birthstone is Garnet.

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Garnet is very common and plentiful stone and can be found in many areas around the world. It has a trigonal crystal structure, and there are different forms according to its mineral base; Almandine, Andradite, Demantoid, Grossular, Hessonite, Pyrope, Rhodalite, Spessatite, Tsavorite and Uvarovite. A common misconception is that all Garnets are a red, when actually they come in a wide variety of colours including purple, red, orange, yellow, green, brown and black.

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Garnet has been widely known for thousands of years, and it has long been known as The Warriors Stone, carried by soldiers the world over as a talisman against death and injury, but it was also said to bring victory, peace and tranquility. Many courageous travellers and explorers wore Garnets for protection, as they were considered popular talismans and protective stones.

It is said that Garnet not only holds the power to protect its wearer from negative energies, but to send those negative energies back to where they originated from. Garnet has been used as adornment for thousands of years and is one of the stones in the breastplate of the high priest.

Garnet is also a stone of romantic love and passion and commitment. Metaphysically it is used to enhance sensuality, sexuality and intimacy. It balances the sex drive and alleviates emotional disharmony. Red Garnet in particular stimulates the controlled rise of the Kundalini and aids sexual potency.

An excellent stone for manifestation and it can assist mystically with building your self-confidence as well as success in your chosen profession. The Garnet is commonly known as the stone for successful business, and is useful in the planning stage of any project.

A Garnet placed under your pillow is said to prevent bad dreams. Wearing Garnet jewellery will help generate popularity amongst your peers, and help alleviate depression. It will also bring constancy to friendships. Garnet has a strong link with the pituitary gland and can stimulate expanded awareness and past life recall. It will sharpen your perceptions of yourself and others. Garnet helps you let go of old, useless, or obsolete ideas. Will remove inhibitions and taboos and will open the heart and bestow self confidence.

Garnet regenerates the body and treats spinal and cellular disorders. It stimulates the metabolism, purifies and regenerates the blood, heart and lungs, and regenerates DNA. It assists assimilation of vitamins and minerals. It clears negative chakra energy. Both the thyroid and spleen may benefit from cleansing and purifying with Garnet.

Crystal Birthstone For January - Garnet

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Birthstone Pendants Healing Powers

Birthstone pendants are special gifts - aside from the fact that they symbolizes the month a person was born, they also signifies the wearer's personality. Charm and beauty are just a plus. Another major reason why birthstone pendants are gaining popularity as a personal gift is the believed spiritual powers the gemstone posses that provide protection to the wearer.

garnet jewelry

Garnet is the birthstone of January. Having this mineral specimen is claimed to help the wearer defy depression and ward off evil spirits, as well as nightmares. The stone is also said to inspire contemplation and truthfulness, and offers its wearer the power to protect his possessions.

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Health wise, garnet's powers include healing, strength, and protection and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin. It is also believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.

Moreover, garnet birthstone pendants can also symbolize the wearer's passion and courage, as well as his or her power and energy. This gemstone is also popular among lovers as a token to ensure the return of a loved one. This tradition can be traced back to Greek mythology in which Hades gave pomegranate seeds to Persephone to force her to return. As it comes in the same color, garnet is used by many people as the symbolic counterpart of Hades' seeds.

At this technology-driven world those superstitious belief may no longer exists. Nevertheless, it may still bring them a special sense of comfort to wear around their neck that was once believed to have all the said powers. And knowing that what he/she is wearing is given by someone special is enough reason for him/her to wear it.

The charm, beauty, and symbolism of birthstone pendants are what make these pieces of jewelry so special.

Birthstone Pendants Healing Powers

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Garnet is January's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it.

garnet bracelet

January's birthstone: Garnet

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Garnet Powers: Facilitates night vision, ensures success

Alternative Birthstone: Emerald

Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage. Archaeologists have found primitive garnet jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers which dates the use of this popular gemstone to the Bronze age. Today they are mined in Brazil, India, Madagascar, India, Siberia, Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

Not all garnets are of gem quality. "Raw" garnets make a very effective abrasive and used commercially for grinding and polishing. Believe it or not, garnet-coated sandpaper is popular for industrial use.

Color Me Beautiful

Garnets are extremely diverse and offer enough variety in appearance (and color) to suit every taste. Although you may think of garnet as a red gem, the truth is that the garnet family of gemstones comes in a broad spectrum of colors, except blue.

Garnets of muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets are all part this gemstone's rainbow of hues. The diversity is due to unique combinations of elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium, and manganese.

What's In A Name?

Look at the seeds of a pomegranate and you'll immediately understand how the word "garnet" was derived from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "grain" or "seed." Garnet earned its name because of its close resemblance to the succulent red pomegranate seed. But don't bite into a garnet! Like a diamond, a garnet is strong. It has a Moh's scale hardness 6.5 to 7.5...definitely not tooth-friendly.

A Greek myth tells the story of Peresphone, the young goddess of sunshine, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. The devil eventually released her, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which guaranteed her return to him. Thus garnets have come to represent fidelity and commitment.

Rich Traditions

Legends, myths, and traditions abound when it comes to garnets. It is believed to be one of the 12 gemstones in Aaron's breastplate in the Hebrew tradition while Christians consider it is symbolic of Christ's sacrifice and the blood of their savior. Many faiths claim that Noah hung a large red garnet in the ark for illumination. In the Koran, garnets are believed to illuminate the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems. On a more earthly plane, Egyptians believed that garnets protected them from snakebite and was an antidote to food poisoning.

A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. It is January's birthstone, but far from being only a winter gem, the garnet, with its brilliance and multitude of colors, is truly one for any season.

Garnet is January's Birthstone

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Garnet - Industrial Uses and January's Birthstone

Garnets may have received their name from the Latin word granatum as red garnets look so very much like the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. Recently, I learned that there are 15 species of garnets and that they can come in a variety of colors besides red. Garnets can be transparent to opaque. Garnets are found all around the world and mostly in metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rock is existing rock that is changed into a new rock by heat or by heat and pressure.

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The Moh's Hardness Scale compares the scratch resistance between minerals. Friedrich Moh chose ten well known minerals and place them on a scale from softest and can be easily scratched to hardest and can scratch other minerals. Diamonds proudly hold the number ten spot as they are the hardest substance and are able to scratch. I remember my nana telling us young, very surprised girls that a genuine diamond can cut a mirror or put a very big scratch in one. Garnets rate between a 6 and 7.5 on the Moh's scale. Their hardness and durability have made garnets very useful and popular for industrial purposes. Garnets have been and continue to be used in sand paper, sandblasting tools, cleaning agents for drill pipes and well casings, grinding and polishing optical lenses to name a few.

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I did not know the serious industrial value of garnets until my older daughter returned from a day of panning for garnets with her grandma. They went to Sabino Canyon which is located in Coronado National Forest in Arizona, and spent five glorious hours sifting through buckets of sandy dirt looking for garnets. They were thrilled to find many small granular sized ones. They enjoyed the park guides who told them all about garnets and how they were used in various industries. Their small finds had to stay at the park but the experience and information learned will last a lifetime.

Besides having practical uses garnets have been sought after for centuries and highly desired in jewelry pieces. Bohemia is known for having spectacular garnets and pyrope garnets as big as hen eggs have been found there. Spessartine garnets can range from pale yellow, orange, to dark red. The almandine is the most common garnet and is used for abrasives and for gems. It is found in many places around the world. Andradite is known for having high color dispersion and makes exquisite gem jewelry from its topaz yellow to emerald green varieties. The rarest garnet is the uvarovite named for a Russia nobleman. It is brilliant green in color and seems to be hindered in crystal growth as most specimens do not get very large. The hessonite is reddish-brown and found in Sri Lanka, Vermont, Mexico, Canada, Scotland, and Italy. In ancient days Romans and Greeks carved cameos from hessonite. Gossular garnets are found in calcium rich metamorphic rocks and have color variations from colorless, white, pink, red, brown, black, and honey.

In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers named the garnet as January's birthstone. The garnet is a hardy, useful, beautiful, valuable, and an interesting stone that inspires one to inventive places and brings pleasure in creative jewelry adornment. The garnet truly is a gem because it is a highly prized beloved stone.

Garnet - Industrial Uses and January's Birthstone

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The History And Lore Of Birthstone Rings

Since ancient times, rings have been recognized as a symbol of relationship, or a bond between the giver and the wearer of the ring. In some cultures, this was interpreted as a physical bond of ownership and control. For example in the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus, the god Zeus uses a ring of unbreakable adamantine to forever bind Prometheus to a rock as punishment for giving the secret of fire to mankind.
More often than not, however, ancient cultures recognized the ring as a symbol of emotional attachment. The perfect circle of a gold ring represents continuity, as in the eternal return of the seasons. The shape of a circle has always been a metaphor for faithfulness, unity, eternity or perfection, and there are many examples of this in prehistoric rock art. Birth stone rings evolved from this tradition

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Certain personality traits have always been associated with each gemstone and the individuals whose birth month is represented by that gem. Legendary powers have been attributed to many birthstones and birthstone rings were worn to bring good fortune to their owner.

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Birthstone rings have a rich history in many cultures. Most scholars agree that the history and legend of birthstones originated in the Old Testament story of a garment worn by the high priest Aaron. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes, one of the signs of the zodiac and also one of the months of the year.

Over time, many of the birthstones have remained the same, with the same birthstone colors; some have changed slightly because their exact origins were unknown from the original text, and some have been interpreted to the proper minerals of those probably referred to in the in the original text. Here is a good page to view birthstone rings.

Birthstone history and legends:

Garnet (birthstone of January):

Garnet comes from the Greek word "granatum" meaning "pomegranate seed". It is symbolic for many different religions. Ancient Hebrew legend states that garnet was one of the twelve gems in the breastplate of Aaron. Christians have seen it to symbolize the sacrifices of Christ. And the Koran states that garnet illuminates the Fourth Heaven of Islam. Primitive cultures believed garnet could smooth discord and prevent bloodshed.

Amethyst (birthstone of February):

Ancients believed amethyst would protect them from drunkenness. In fact its name is taken from the Greek "A-methystos", meaning, "not drunken". Legend has it that Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, grew angry with mortals, and vowed that the next mortal to cross his path would be eaten by tigers. Just then a young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to worship the Goddess Diana. Diana, Knowing of Bacchus' plan turned Amethyst into a statue of colorless quartz to save her from the tiger's teeth. Bacchus, seeing this repented and cried tears of wine over the young Amethyst, staining her purple.

Aquamarine (birthstone of March):

Aquamarine comes from the Latin for "sea water". It is said to offer the wearer foresight, courage, and happiness. Legend is that sailors wore it to sea to keep them safe and ward off seasickness. It was also believed to be the treasure of mermaids. Aquamarine is said to bring love, increase intelligence, and restore youth.

Diamond (birthstone of April):

The word diamond comes from the Greek "adamas", meaning, "unconquerable". The Greeks believed diamonds to be star splinters fallen to earth. The tradition of diamonds as a symbol of love comes from the Roman belief that Cupids arrows were tipped with them. But the tradition of the diamond engagement ring didn't start until much later, when, in 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave one to Mary of Burgundy.

Emerald (birthstone of May):

The Roman scholar Plinly loved emeralds because, in his words, "Nothing green is greener." The Moguls of India inscribed them with sacred texts and wore them as talismans. One such talisman, a 78 carat emerald, reads, "He who possesses this charm shall enjoy the special protection of God", in Persian. Cleopatra loved her emeralds more than any other gem, though it is now believed that her "emeralds" were actually peridot.

Alexandrite (birthstone of June):

Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in Russia. As red and green, the colors of alexandrite, were also the colors of Imperial Russia, the stone was named after the Czarevich Alexander II on the occasion of his coming of age. Alexandrite is still believed to be a good omen in Russia.

Ruby (birthstone of July):

The ruby is said to bring wisdom, happiness, and health, and symbolizes success, devotion, and integrity. It was thought to bring good luck to both lovers and gamblers. The ruby was said to help mend bad relationships as well as encourage stable ones.

Peridot (birthstone of August):

Peridot is thought to ensure good luck, peace, and success. It is said that what Cleopatra thought were her "emeralds" were actually peridot. Legend has it that peridot was first mined on the Egyptian island of Zeberget, but only at night because it was believed that peridot could not be seen by day. Large peridots still decorate the shrine of the three magi at the Cologne Cathedral.

Sapphire (birthstone of September):

Ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the sapphire's reflection colored the sky. While some ancient Hebrew writers believed that the Ten Commandments were written on sapphire. More recently, the engagement ring Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana was a sapphire ring.

Pink Tourmaline (birthstone of October):

The word Tourmaline comes from the Singhalese "tourmalli" which means "mixed colored stones". Tourmaline is thought to represent autumn because the red and green colors of some tourmaline are reminiscent of the turning of the leaves. This is why it has become the birthstone of October.

Imperial Topaz (birthstone of November):

Topaz comes from the Sanskrit "tapas", meaning "fire". The Greeks believed it could increase strength and make the wearer invisible. The Romans believed it could improve eyesight. And the Egyptians believed a topaz amulet could protect the wearer from injury.

Blue Zircon (birthstone of December):

Zircon, known to the ancients as hyacinth, provided the wearer with wisdom, honor, and riches. For women it was believed to aid in childbirth, and for men it was believed to keep evil spirits and bad dreams away. When zircon lost its luster it was thought to be warning of danger.

The physical properties of birthstones:

Science and spirituality often seem to cross paths, and the physics of birthstones are an exceptional example. Birthstones are among the most dense crystalline substances on the planet, formed from millions of years of pressure under the earth's crust. The enchanting birthstone colors are the result of both the source element and the precise alignment of the crystals within the gem.

In a physical sense, birthstones concentrate energy and redirect it along a certain prismatic path. The ancients believed that wearing birthstone rings transferred the power of the gem from each finger to a different area of the body. The third finger of the left hand, for example, transferred energy to the heart, which is why it is traditionally used for an engagement ring.

The modern laser was invented with the use of a ruby, which concentrates ordinary light into a higher energy level that can be directed on a coherent path, a pinpoint that travels extreme distances without dispersing.

Diamonds are the most highly conductive substance known, and are currently at the leading edge of future computer technology.
If there is any physical reality that underlies the wearing of birthstone rings, it is perhaps summarized by the great psychologist Carl Jung, who said, "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed."

The History And Lore Of Birthstone Rings

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Birthstone Jewelry - A Perfect Gift

Picking out jewelry for someone special doesn't have to be an arduous task. If the decision seems too great, know that you can always turn to birthstone jewelry for the perfect, well-thought out gift. Choosing a piece of jewelry with that special someone's birthstone makes the gift that much more personal. And, while there are the traditional stones associated with each month, you don't necessarily have to go with the person's birth month. Instead, choose a stone of the month of your anniversary, or another extraordinary moment like the birth of your first child. A gift of this caliber is always sure to please.

garnet pendant

Let's start with January and February. The birthstone for January is garnet. This is typically a beautiful deep red stone but, it possible to find garnet in shades of green, yellow and orange as well. Garnet is the perfect choice for a January stone because the color red represents strength, energy and new life. The birthstone for February is amethyst. Compared to the fiery boldness of the garnet, amethyst is a much more calming gemstone. Its rich purple color varies from a very light purple to deep, dark shades of plum. Also quite fittingly, amethyst represents February well as it symbolizes healing, wisdom and spirituality.

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March's birthstone is the tranquil aquamarine. This is a beautiful stone ranging in color from light blue to blue to blue-green and resembles tropical blue waters. The word "aqua" in aquamarine literally means water and symbolizes youth, tranquility and confidence. Aquamarine is very readily available and therefore, affordable. When shopping for this stone however, don't mistake a blue topaz for an aquamarine as can look quite similar. The birthstone for the month of April is the diamond. In quite a sharp contrast to the aquamarine, this stone can often break the budget. It is possible to find a beautiful, clear looking diamond without spending a fortune and to the naked eye, it will look flawless. Diamonds are associated most times with weddings and engagements and represent purity, freshness and humility. It is often considered the ultimate in gemstones as white literally contains and reflects every color of the rainbow.

The month of May brings us to the regal Emerald. This stunning green stone can be very attractive to the eye and looks good in just about any sort of cut. This gemstone is both very beautiful and very rare. Again, this is the perfect stone for the month of May as the green represents fertility, growth and prosperity - just right to welcome spring. June's birthstone is the pearl. This is a beautiful, versatile stone available in many different settings. What's great about the pearl is the fact that you can find it in just about any color imaginable. Much like the diamond, the pearl represents purity and innocence and is another popular stone for wedding jewelry.

Now that we are into the summer time, July brings us back to bold, fiery color with the Ruby. This is another stunning red or pink stone that is well known in the jewelry world. The ruby is a fantastic stone because of the immense range of colors in which it exists. The ruby symbolizes love, compassion, energy and excitement. Keeping up with the brilliant colors comes August with its birthstone of peridot. This is a lesser known stone as it often times takes a backseat to the emerald. The peridot however, is a gorgeously understated gemstone with a fabulous yellow-green color that fits in perfectly with nature.

September brings us back to another brilliant blue stone - the sapphire. The sapphire comes in many shades of blue and is the most sought after blue gemstone. Because of the wide variety of color, it should be easy to find just the perfect one when out shopping. The blue sapphire represents harmony, stability and loyalty. Even if this isn't the birth month of your special someone, if you present them a sapphire with a note of how it represents your relationship, you have a sure-fire hit. The birthstone for October is the opal. This is a very unique stone as it comes in a multitude of colors. Similar to that of a pearl, many opals have an iridescent quality to them that flashes brilliant colors when the light hits it from different angles. Opals can be found in pretty much every color to yellow, orange, red, blue, green, brown and black and are very valuable.

The birthstone for November is the yellow topaz. This is a very creamy colored stone with soft coloring. The yellow topaz is the most valuable of all the colors of topaz. This yellow stone represents optimism, happiness and intellect. This could be the perfect stone for someone who appreciates soft, understated beauty. The final month of December has the blue topaz as its birthstone. The blue topaz has a very light, clear color to the stone and reflects light beautifully. This blue stone represents patience, refreshment and peace, making it the perfect stone to signify the end of one year and the start of another.

Birthstone Jewelry - A Perfect Gift

GARNET