By: Robin Lefkowitz-Huska, Guest Blogger
The garnet gemstone is often associated with its deep red hue, but one of the most common misconceptions is that garnets only exist in shades of red, ranging from rust-colored to deep violet-red.
In reality, garnet refers to a large group of rock-forming minerals that occur in a rich palette of colors—from burgundy red to light, translucent green. Among all garnet colors, the rarest are blue, colorless, and those that change color under different lighting conditions.
Garnets were first discovered in Madagascar in the late 1990s. Since then, deposits have been found in many countries including the United States, Russia, Brazil, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Turkey.
The word “garnet” originates from the 14th-century Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red. It is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning seed—an allusion to the gemstone’s resemblance to the deep red seeds of a pomegranate.
January’s Birthstone
Those born in January are fortunate to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. While garnets are commonly red, they also appear in stunning shades of orange, yellow, purple, and green. Some rare garnets even change color—from blue to purple—under different lighting conditions.
Many believe the true value of the garnet birthstone lies in its ability to bring good health, wealth, and happiness to its wearer.
History
- In ancient Rome, garnets were set into signet rings worn by clergy and nobility to seal important documents with wax.
- The Victorians popularized garnet jewelry by creating elaborate statement pieces made with clusters of tiny red garnets.
- During the Middle Ages, garnets were worn as protective amulets by soldiers and were believed to ward off disease and aid healing.
- Red garnets adorned Egyptian royalty and were buried with mummified bodies as treasured possessions for the afterlife.
- Garnet was believed to be one of the four precious stones given to King Solomon by God.
- Garnets have been found as beads in necklaces dating back to 3000 B.C.
- Garnets rank between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.
- The philosopher Plato had his portrait engraved on a garnet.
- Demantoid garnet is among the rarest and most valuable varieties, discovered in mid-1800s Russia.
January-Born Celebrities
January is filled with famous birthdays, including Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, Oprah Winfrey, David Bowie, Stephen Hawking, Zayn Malik, Howard Stern, Orlando Bloom, Patrick Dempsey, Ellen DeGeneres, Jackie Robinson, and Kerry Washington.
Shop Roman Jewelers’ Gabriel & Co. full selection of garnet jewelry here.