





Happy birthday, January babies! In addition to being your birthstone, garnet is also the traditional gem for the 2nd wedding anniversary. And, if you were wondering, your birthday flower is the carnation or snowdrop.
History
The name garnet comes from the Greek word granatus
, which means pomegranate. The red seeds of the fruit look very much like the gemstones. Garnets have been used in jewelry and as abrasives since the Bronze Age. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore them, they were used in Roman signet rings for wax seals, and in the Middle Ages, they were worn by clergy and nobility.
The Vikings and Anglo-Saxons used garnets in jewelry and sword fittings because they believed the blood-red stones improved their fighting prowess. They were worn by the Crusaders to help them get home safely, as well as dropped into royals' wine glasses to guard against murder by poison. There are even folktales from eastern Europe of wearing garnets around the neck to ward off vampires.
Garnets were popular in engagement rings and other women's jewelry during the Victorian era because they represent fidelity in love. And they were used by the famous jeweler Peter Carl Faberge.
Metaphysical
Garnets have had many mystical and healing associations through time. In Greek mythology, Hades gave Persephone a pomegranate when she left his realm to ensure a safe journey. When she arrived at her destination, the fruit turned into a handful of garnets. In many traditions, including Indian astrology, garnet is said to help eliminate negative emotions, such as depression or guilt. It is believed to instill greater self-confidence,and promote mental clarity and peace of mind.
Garnet represents purity, truth, faithfulness, and friendship. It is said to have healing influence over inflammatory conditions and infections, the heart, blood, and lungs, and also enhance sensuality and sexuality. Since garnet attracts people to the wearer, it can aid in personal and business success, particularly to those starting their own business.
Geological
Garnets are found in metamorphic and igneous rocks all over the world. Historically, they have been mined in Bohemia and the Ural Mountains. Today, most of the garnet we see comes from the African continent, but it is also found in Brazil, Myanmar, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and other countries.
There are many varieties of garnet in many colors. Pyrope and almandine are purple to red; spessartine is orange and yellow, andradite is yellow to green, grossular is anywhere from colorless to yellow to orange-red and includes green tsavorite garnet.
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 - 7.5, garnets aren't as durable as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, and can easily be scratched by those stones if not kept separate when stored. On the other hand, it is hard enough to scratch other, softer gems, such as opal. (Remember to always store your jewelry properly to avoid damage.)
Most garnet is untreated, but some are fracture-filled. This means that if a crack reaches the surface of a stone, a glass-like material can be injected into it for stability. You can always use warm soapy water to clean garnets, but only use an ultrasonic cleaner if you know there aren't any crack or fills. You shouldn't use steam cleaners on it. When in doubt, you can always bring your jewelry in to us to clean for you!
sources: GIA.edu, birthdaygems.org, firemountaingems.com