The gemstone Garnet is the official birthstone for January as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the stone for the Zodiac sign Aquarius. Corresponding Astrological Signs: Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius. Garnet may be given as a gem on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversary. In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.
Garnet is the name given to a group of Aluminum Silicates with related chemical content and identical crystal structure. Most are found in metamorphic rocks. Pyrope or Bohemian Garnet, and Almandine Garnet are the most widely known and used in jewelry. The "Carbuncle" of medieval times and the Crusades was Almandine Garnet. Warriors to protect against injury in battle and to bring good luck and fortune wore it. It also symbolized the heart and enduring love and friendship. Garnet jewelry was worn as early as the 6th century by the Scythians, and Pliny first called the stone Carbuncle. In 16th century Bohemia, it was worn against evil spells. It was believed to protect the wearer from enemies and thieves, and to bring love.
Garnets are found in the U.S. (Arizona), South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Scotland, Switzerland and Tanzania . Garnets are formed when high temperatures and/or pressure is a factor and geologists often use garnets as a gauge of the amount of temperature and pressure that was present during their formation. Garnet occurs in every color except blue and most varieties are named for their color. Rhodolite is a purplish red, hessonite is the name for an orange, cinnamon, or pinkish variety. Tsavorite is the name given to dark green grossularite. Uvarovite and demantoid are also green varieties. Pyrope garnets are purplish red, orangy red, crimson, or dark red. Spessartite garnets range from yellow and orange through red to reddish brown to dark black/brown. Color change garnets exhibit an "alexandrite-like" effect when viewed in natural light or artificial lighting
Metaphysical:
Garnet is the stone of health, commitment, devotion, and passion. Stimulates Kundalini, assists in flow of energy. 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. A stone of passion and of transformation. It helps in release of old patterns and gives courage to begin anew. It also helps control anger. A stone for purity of heart, it is symbolic of love and loyalty. It aids in childbirth and with menstrual problems, and has long been associated with the blood. In meditation, Garnet is used to focus on grounding the self in the root of one's true beliefs.
Chakras: Base and Heart
Composition: A group of aluminum silicates and calcium silicates.
Mohs-Scale Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5
Garnet is the stone of health, commitment, devotion, and passion. Stimulates Kundalini, assists in flow of energy. 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. A stone of passion and of transformation. It helps in release of old patterns and gives courage to begin anew. It also helps control anger. A stone for purity of heart, it is symbolic of love and loyalty. It aids in childbirth and with menstrual problems, and has long been associated with the blood. In meditation, Garnet is used to focus on grounding the self in the root of one's true beliefs.
Chakras: Base and Heart
Composition: A group of aluminum silicates and calcium silicates.
Mohs-Scale Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5