Garnet Is Perfect for January

The Garnet is such a beautiful stone and to me, undervalued and under-appreciated. I love them! My jewelry collection is filled with the precious stone.

This deep hued gem is the birthstone for January and it is given as a second, wedding anniversary gift. Most of us know and recognize it for its rich, deep burgundy color. But, did you know that it is found, in Nature, in a variety of colors and hues? Oh yeah!!!! The only color it has not been found in is blue.

They’re gorgeous! I’m going to keep you in suspense…

Garnet History

Garnet’s name comes from the Latin for pomegranate and it fits perfectly. When I purchased my first high-grade selection of this gem, they literally looked good enough to eat. Sorry for the cliché but they really did.

We know of them as far back as the Bronze Age. They were not only used as gems, but also as abrasives. 

In Egypt, Pharaohs fancied them and adorned themselves, while Romans carved them unto signet rings. The Romans also widely traded the stone. And, the clergy and nobility also wore them.

According to the Old Testament, a single Garnet illuminated Noah’s ark. This gem was also a symbol of one of the original 12 Tribes of Israel. And, many ancient civilizations held it as a sacred stone.

Spiritual Attributes

Garnets have protective qualities. Warriors often carried a piece into battle. Hence its nickname stone of warriors and conquerors. Some cultures used it as a clotting agent. And, as a cure for a lacking sex drive!

Garnets will make your dreams come true and bring you prosperity in your endeavors. 

Greek Mythology praises Garnet for is ability to bring quarreling lovers back together. It enhances truth and faith and dispels melancholy. And, like Onyx, it is protection from the evil eye. 

All these attributes extend to the home, so make sure to keep Garnet close by. It will also bring peace, prosperity, and good health.

Garnet Symbolism

Do you have a best friend? Of course you do and if you are very fond of them, give them a Garnet. The stone symbolizes deep and long lasting friendships. 

Romance benefits too. It is a  symbol for love, eternity, and passion.

The Egyptians said it symbolized life. 

Garnet Varieties

There is so much to cover about Garnets, but I wanted to touch on the types. There are six:

• Almandine Garnet
  

  

  Eurico Zimbres/Tom Epaminondas CC BY-SA 2.0 BR

This Garnet’s colors range from orange-red to purple-red. It is a very grounding stone. Its vibrations can enhance our endurance and vitality. It activates and strengthens the base chakra. It makes it the perfect stone for those in need of more energy.

• Andradite Garnet 
  

  

   

  This Garnet comes in so many hues and tones: Brown, reddish-brown, bronze, orange, yellow, green, brownish-green, gray, and black. Phew… It is a stone for self-empowerment. And it offers confidence. Like all other Garnets, it is a protective stone.

• Spessartine
  

  

   

  This variety is yellowish orange. It is a stone of attraction so it will help you attract that special someone, or your dream job. It works well with the second and solar-plexus chakra. It will encourage your creative abilities so this is a great stone for artists. It also encourages spontaneity!

• Uvarovite
  

  

   

  Uvarovite is a deep, green color and is often confused with Emeralds. The stone will take away any ideas or feelings of not being enough or not having enough. It opens our heart to see that we are enough! Looking for peace and contentment? Uvarovite will help find it.

• Grossular
  

  

   

  Green Garnets are perfect for making all your dreams come into fruition. It will give you confidence! This variety includes the African green Garnet and the Tsavorite. The Tsavorite, in particular will cleanse your heart chakra and enhance vitality. Their beauty is infectious to those looking at the wearer; it will spread all its positive energies and vibrations. The green African Garnet will help you overcome insecurities.

• Rhodolite
  

  

   

  Now, here is my favorite! It is a variety of the Pyrope Garnet. Its color varies from rose red to pale violet, and its name is Greek for rose stone.  Because it combines the energies of the base, heart, and crown chakras, it will support threefold: spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It is effective in healing old wounds, connecting us to our inner voice, and helps us keep the commitments we make to ourselves.

 

Artful gems has many pieces designed with Garnet and many are being designed all the time. Don’t forget, many of the designs can be customized with your favorite stone! 

 

 

SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Leave me a comment!

 

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