Garnet - January's Birthstone

Garnet, the birthstone of January

“…Like to the burning coal; whence comes its name, among the Greeks as Anthrax known to fame. Not E’en by darkness quenched its vigor tires; still at the gazer’s eye it darts its fires…”

• De Lapidibus, Marbode of Rennes’ (1035-1123)

While garnets are known as red gemstones, they actually come in every color but blue.

Deep reds, vibrant greens, alluring yellows, rich purples, stunning orange and every combination you can think of.

The garnet group of minerals is comprised of multiple species, each containing differing chemical compositions. These in turn can merge and overlap into mixed species that produce even more colors and varieties.

While not all species of garnets are of gem quality, quite a few are often seen in jewelry.

~ Garnet's many colors, photo curtesy of Stuller

While the dark reds and browns are what garnets are famously known for, species like tsavorite and spessartite showcase the wider range of possibilities.

And, even the red versions of garnet can reach stunning hues with vivid saturation. These colors are also natural, with garnets rarely receiving treatments.

In addition to being January’s birthstone, garnet is also the jewel associated with the Zodiac sign Capricorn.

~ Red garnet jewelry by Stanton Color

The name “garnet” is commonly thought to originate from the Latin; “granatus” or “granum”, in reference to seeds and grains, likely pomegranate.

However, given that many red stones were cataloged under the general term “Carbuncle” in most older writings and ancient legends, it’s impossible to know.

In fact, Indian belief was that, the darker or brownish red stones (those that were likely garnets) were merely unripe rubies.

~ Rhodolite garnet; bracelet by Stanon Color and necklace by Olivia B.

The oldest known piece of garnet jewelry is reported to be a string of partially tumbled beads, stung on a necklace that was found in an Egyptian tomb. It’s been estimated to hail from 3100 BC, or, about 5,000 years ago.

Despite being often overshadowed by the specular red of ruby, king of gems, garnets do hold lore all for themselves.

They were thought to contain an inner fire that could not be quenched. This inner fire and light were said to bring water to a boil, feeling hot to the touch, and also being used in place of fire inside lamps to light up rooms.

One story claims that Noah, Biblical ship maker, used garnets instead of lanterns within the ark to provide light. In this way, the mostly wooden ship was in no danger of flames.

In the Koran, it states that the light of the Fourht Heaven is given by the all-pervading glow of its garnet structure.

Garnets are stones said to impart strength to the wearer, both physically and emotionally.

~ Spessartite garnet earrings by Parle and Tsavorite garnet earrings by Lisa Nik

January is the start of the New Year for most, and with a birthstone like garnet, that comes in every color, it speaks to the boundless protentional of the year ahead.

Whether you are looking for a classic red garnet or something in a more unique color, this gemstone has you covered.

Truly garnets are an underappreciated gemstone!

~Blog by Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager at Panowicz Jewelers