Garnet the stone of January
Coming in many colors range, from the fiery orange to the rich green and to the most widely recognized color of dark red, garnet is most often associated with the January birthstone.
Most valued one are spessartine, pyrope, grossular, almandine and andradite.
Spessartine color range is from oranges to yellows.
Andradite usually is from yellow to green (the gem variety demantoid).
Pyrope and almandine is found from purple to red.
And grossular color range is the widest, from colorless through yellow to reddish orange and orangy red, with the most intriguing one a very strong vibrant green tsavorite found and mined only in one place in the world, in Tanzania.
The word “garnet” comes from the 14th Century Middle English word “gernet” meaning dark red.
It is derived from the Latin granatus, from granum ('grain, seed') a possibly reference to pomegranate seeds , a fruit with vivid red seeds in same color as garnet crystals.
In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and associated with eternal love.
Garnet is also durable gemstone (6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale) found all over the world, including USA, Greece, Sri Lanka, Russia, Czech Republic, Tanzania, Madagascar, and India.
Remnants of garnet jewelry was found from Bronze Age to Egyptians back to 3100 BC and Romans from 3th and 4rd Century. Widely used as a remedy for heart and inflammatory diseases as well as a protection talismans worn by Vikings and Anglo-Saxons warriors or set in their swords and signets.
In the middle ages royals were using it as protection against poison as it was commonly believed that it is a venom and poison detector. The gemstone was dropped into wine cup before drinking it by the king or noble.
In Victorian times garnet was very popular in women's jewelry especially in engagement rings to mark fidelity in love.
For the centuries it has been given as a gift for all occasions and is known as the stone with varieties of mystical powers. Stone of deep commitment attract lasting love or friendship.
According to Indian astrology, garnet helps to eliminate depressive and negative thoughts and increase self-confidence.
Today, the garnet can be found in a range of jewelry pieces and styles, from beautiful rings to stunning tiaras. Garnet looks attractive in both silver and gold.
It is a perfect stone to purchase for 2nd wedding anniversary, as a gift for January birthday baby or to celebrate long lasting friendship and love.
Garnet can be clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Dry and rinse your stone with paper tissue after washing it. Ultrasonic cleaning may be used for most garnets, except for the demantoid type. Steam heat treatment may cause color changes in some garnets.
It is always best to avoid harsh chemicals, extreme temperature changes, chlorine and salt water.
Treated with care will be a shining star of your collection, will light up the night and protect their owner from nightmares as the Legends says.
If you wish to read more articles like this one, sign up to my newsletter, and you will receive notification about new one. The sign up form you can find on my main page at www.manari.eu
Wishing you amazing January,
Marianna
xoxo
Leave a comment