What's the difference between garnets and rubies?

Rubies are a variety of corundum while garnets are an entirely separate mineral species. All rubies are red but garnets come in every color. True rubies are also much rarer and costlier than common garnet.

Is there such a thing as a blue garnet?

Yes! A rare, natural 'blue' garnet discovered in Madagascar exhibits a gorgeous blue-green or deep teal color. These garnets change color from blue to purplish-red in incandescent vs LED/fluorescent lighting due to their chemical composition.

What garnet color is most rare?

Green demantoid andradite garnets are exceptionally rare. Discovered in Russia's Ural mountains during the mid-1800s, they display a vivid grass-green color caused by chromium. Horsetail inclusions are also part of their exotic appeal.

Which country is best known for garnets?

There is no single country best known for garnets because there are many species found all across the world. But Bohemia (Czech Republic) was renowned for its abundant pyrope garnets since medieval times. Today, African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar also produce prized green grossularite and andradite garnet gems.

How can you tell if a garnet is real?

Have an experienced gemologist examine it. They will check for natural identifying traits like dodecahedral crystal structure, abrasion resistance, density, refractive index, and spectral properties. Lab reports from reputable gemological institutes also help determine if a garnet has been treated or is synthetic.

What is a garnet's spiritual meaning?

For thousands of years, garnets symbolized light, loyalty, truth, passion, determination, creativity, positivity, and protection to those believing in its spiritual powers. Some associated garnets specifically with the strength of friendships or commitments to loved ones when exchanged as gifts. Garnet gemstones also represented pomegranate seeds from classical myths - as a promise of future joy, success, and even immortality.

January Birthstone. 5 Captivating Secrets About Garnet

Garnets have adorned humanity across cultures for over 5000 years. Discover little-known facts about January birthstone and what makes garnets so beguiling.

The average reading time is 13 minutes. The article was last updated on 09/06/2024.

Check out our birthstone articles for each month.

September Birthstones

October Birthstones

November Birthstones

December Birthstones

Introduction to the January Birthstone: Garnet

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used as gemstones and abrasives for thousands of years. As the January birthstone, garnets signify the vibrant start of a new year.

The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “Garanatus,” meaning “seedlike,” about the round, bright red seeds of a pomegranate. Early on, red garnets were used as a substitute for rubies by ancient cultures around the world. But garnets comprise a group of over 20 minerals, available in every color except blue.

While many garnets are red, other popular natural colors include:

Green (tsavorite and demantoid)
Orange (spessartine)
Purple (rhodolite)
Yellow/gold (hessonite)
Pink (rhodolite)
Brown (almandine and spessartine)
Black (andradite)

Garnets range from transparent to translucent. The more transparent and eye-clean a garnet is, the more prized it becomes for jewelry. Garnets also have a vitreous (glass-like) luster and perfect cleavage along their dodecahedral crystal structure. Their hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, making them suitable and durable for jewelry.

Fun fact: Garnets are so abundant that they can be found in many countries across six continents. From stream sediments to volcanic rock formations, garnets form under a variety of geological conditions.

Garnet Varieties Found Around the World

There are six main species of garnet, with multiple varieties under each:

1. Pyrope

Small chunks of pyrope from Czechia. Author Nefronus

Deep red magnesium aluminum silicate
Found in: Czech Republic, South Africa, USA
Used in: Jewelry

2. Almandine

Ring with almandine circa 1750. CC3 by Hallwylska Museum

Red iron aluminum silicate
Found in: India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, USA
Used in: Jewelry, sandpaper, water filtration

3. Andradite

Large crystal of Andranite. **Rob Lavinsky,** iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Yellow, green, brown, and black calcium iron silicate
Found in: Canada, Italy, Madagascar, USA
It is used in Jewelry and sandblasting.

4. Grossular

Grossular Garnets. Check more info here.

Yellow, green, and pink calcium aluminum silicate
Found in: Canada, South Africa, USA
Used in: Jewelry

5. Spessartine

Orange spessartine garnet. Check more here.

Orange, red, and brown manganese aluminum silicate
Found in: Brazil, Namibia, USA
Used in: Jewelry, abrasives

6. Uvarovite

Bright green calcium chromium silicate
Found in: Canada, Finland, Russia, USA Used in Jewelry, carvings

The different garnet species can be mixed, resulting in other varieties like:

Rhodolite: Purple garnet, a mix of pyrope and almandine
Malaya: Pink-orange garnet, a mix of pyrope and spessartine
Color change: Blue to purple/pink, a mix of spessartine and pyrope

There are also garnet hybrids such as Tsavorite, a green grossularite garnet, and vibrant green demantoid, an andradite garnet. These unique garnets are mainly found in Kenya and Russia.

Symbolic Meanings of Garnet Gemstones

Garnets have carried important symbolism and meaning since ancient times.

In Greek mythology, a pomegranate emerging from the Underworld was seen as a sign of eternal life and rebirth. Ancient warriors believed garnets made them invincible, inspiring loyalty, trust, and truth. Hebrew scripture speaks of the garnet making up one of the 12 gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate, signifying the 12 tribes of Israel.

Check out these Garnet drop earrings here.

In more modern history:

Red garnets came to represent fire, faith, courage, passion, determination
People exchanged garnet jewelry or gifts as a symbol of undying devotion, loyalty, and true friendship
Green garnets represent hope, prosperity rebirth, and growth
Yellow/gold garnets symbolize sunlight, joy, energy, positivity
Purple garnets signified wisdom, healing, spirituality

Because garnets were believed to heal heart and lung diseases, stop bleeding, cure inflammation, and protect from evil, they were also carried as protective talismans.

Today, people still give garnet birthstone jewelry as gifts to demonstrate affection and love. Garnets make meaningful keepsakes for the 2nd, 6th, and 19th wedding anniversaries as well.

Garnet Jewelry Crafting and Care

Garnets selected for jewelry go through multiple steps:

Rough crystals are mined from geologic deposits
They are sorted and the gem-quality material is selected
The garnets get cut into popular shapes like rounds, ovals, cushions
Facets are precisely placed to maximize brilliance and fire
The gemstones are polished to a smooth, glassy finish
Finally, the garnets are set into jewelry mountings like rings, pendants, and earrings

Pro tip: Choose jewelry settings that protect vulnerable corners and allow light to enter from all sides. Bezel settings and halo mountings beautifully show off the cushion, oval, or round faceted garnets.

To clean garnets at home avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or heat. Instead:

Rinse in warm sudsy water with a drop of dish soap using a soft brush
Gently pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth

Store garnets separately from harder gems to prevent scratches. Wrap them in soft fabric when putting them away. Bring garnet jewelry to a gemologist annually for professional checks.

Where to Buy Natural Garnet Gemstones

The best places to buy untreated, ethically sourced natural garnets:

Online retailers like Gem Rock Auctions or AGS Gems
Directly from gemstone cutters like Jeffrey Hunt
In-person jewelers like Green Lake Jewelry Works

When shopping for garnets, prioritize color, clarity, cut, and carat weight:

Color: The more richly saturated, the better. Green demantoids should be a vivid grass or emerald green.
Clarity: Eye-clean or very slightly included. No dark spots are visible without magnification.
Cut quality: Precise faceting with excellent polish and symmetry.
Sizes and weights: Range from 0.5 carats for smaller accent stones up to 5-10 carats for center stones.

Price can vary drastically depending on the above criteria. As a baseline:

Smaller pyrope or almandine garnets can sell for $5-$30 per carat
Large pyrope, rhodolite or spessartine over 5 carats may cost $500 to $1000+ per carat
Rare green Demantoid or Tsavorite over 1 carat could start around $2000+ per carat

How to Tell True Garnets Apart from Lookalikes

Natural garnets have unique properties that differentiate them from common simulants and synthetics:

Refractive index – Garnets = 1.71 to 1.94. Glass/spinels = lower around 1.5 to 1.7
Specific gravity – Garnets = 3.5 to 4.3. Glass has a lower SG of around 2.6.
Thermal conductivity – Garnets have higher heat/cold sensitivity than glass which barely responds
Trichroism/pleochroism – Garnets never display this color change phenomenon but synthetics might

Common garnet lookalikes include:

Glass – Heavy, brittle, lower RI
Spinel – Slightly lower RI of 1.71 but no cleavage planes
Pyrope-Almandine Quartz Doublets – Detectable glue seam under magnification
Synthetic Garnet – Gas bubbles, curved striae

If purchasing expensive garnets always ask for lab certification from reputable gem labs like:

GIA – Gemological Institute of America
AGS – American Gem Society
IGI – International Gemological Institute

Well-respected jewelers will happily show these certs and examine stones under magnification to help you identify real garnets.

Interesting Historical Uses of Garnets

Garnets have served various purposes since ancient civilizations began using them:

5000 BC – Ancient Egyptians used garnets in jewelry and as inlays in Egyptian burial tombs. Garnet necklaces and signet rings have been discovered from Pharaohs of earlier dynasties.

400 BC – Ancient Greeks traded and wore garnets. Many worn engraved garnet Greek rings still survive today featuring mythological designs.

1st century AD – The Roman Empire incorporated red garnets into official signet rings used to stamp wax seals on documents. Bohemian garnet jewelry became popular across Roman territories.

11th century – Anglo-Saxons and Vikings used red garnet pendants set in gold as wealth symbols. Garnet cloisonné jewelry like brooches and buckles were common in northern Europe.

18th century – Baroque era featured large garnet gemstones prominently in statement rings and pendants among European royalty and the wealthy elite.

Victorian era – Red garnet jewelry grew popular again after a garnet and diamond suit belonging to Queen Victoria was displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition.

Today – Garnets are commercially used as industrial abrasives for waterjet cutting, sandblasting, wet grinding, and ceramic polishing thanks to their durability measuring between 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.

Garnets in Antiquity:

Set into swords, daggers, and armor as magical protective talismans
Powdered and made into medicinal elixirs to cure ailments
Carved into jars, vases, cups, relic boxes – like a warrior’s seal made of garnet found in Mycenae
Garnet arrowheads and spearheads excavated across the world
Garnet sun gods, rings, discs, signets – all serving ceremonial purposes

Garnets have an astonishing history spanning over 5,000 years! From ancient medicines to modern abrasives, garnets have continued shining brightly through the ages.

How to Style Garnet Jewelry for Different Outfits

Want to wear your beautiful garnet birthstone jewelry, but not sure how? Here’s how to make garnets work with any outfit:

Casual Daytime

Check out these Oval Garnet Stud Earrings here.

Garnet stud earrings
Simple garnet pendant necklace
Stacked garnet statement rings
Red garnet bracelet

==> Wear with jeans, sweaters, casual dresses

Business Professional

Check out these Garnet Drop Earrings in Rose, White, or Yellow Gold here.

Demantoid garnet drop earrings
Single garnet ring
Tsavorite garnet necklace
Diamond and garnet cufflinks

==> Pair with suits, blouses, trousers, pencil skirts

Cocktail Party

Check out these Garnet Chandelier Earrings here.

Chandelier garnet earrings
Bold garnet cocktail ring
Embellished garnet bracelet
Rhodolite garnet tennis bracelet

==> Coordinate with Little Black Dress or gowns

Pro tip: Let your garnet jewelry be the focal point. Avoid competing loud prints or other statement pieces. Keep the overall look clean and modern.

Check out how models rock garnets on the red carpet:

Anne Hathaway at the 2021 Golden Globes wearing over 450 carats of reddish-pink oval Mozambique garnets by Bvlgari

Caring for Garnet Jewelry Through Generations

Garnets are relatively soft, rating 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Treat them gently for maximum longevity:

Storage: Wrap pieces separately in soft fabric or slot into compartmented boxes to prevent scratching/tarnishing
Cleaning: Use warm water, mild soap, and soft brush; rinse/pat dry thoroughly after wearing
Maintenance: Take garnet jewelry to a gemologist annually for professional ultrasonic cleaning and stone/mounting checks

By caring for garnet heirlooms properly, you can preserve and hand them down for generations, along with beautiful family memories.

Some ideas for re-fashioning antique garnet pieces into modern looks:

Reset old garnet stones into updated earring/pendant mountings
Combine garnet gems from different pieces into a new custom ring or bracelet
Display intricately carved garnet antiques as fascinating curiosities

Sparkling Garnet Gemstones Wrap-Up

Garnets make a vibrant start to the new year as January’s beautiful birthstone. These mystical red stones have carried symbolic meaning for ages, making meaningful keepsakes whether given as gifts or worn as jewelry.

Garnets comprise a diverse group of minerals, found on almost every continent and available in other colors beyond red like green, pink, and yellow. Jewelry lovers today can choose from many types of natural garnets – fiery pyropes, purple rhodolites, fluorescent demantoids, golden hessenites, and more!

With proper care, stunning garnet gems can withstand daily wear or become priceless heirlooms, passed down for generations through families. As lovely as pomegranate seeds and as enduring as humanity’s passion for these gemstones, vibrant garnets will always hold a treasured place in our jewelry boxes and our hearts!

Frequently Asked Questions about the January Birthstone.

What’s the difference between garnets and rubies?
Rubies are a variety of corundum while garnets are an entirely separate mineral species. All rubies are red but garnets come in every color. True rubies are also much rarer and costlier than common garnet.
Is there such a thing as a blue garnet?
Yes! A rare, natural ‘blue’ garnet discovered in Madagascar exhibits a gorgeous blue-green or deep teal color. These garnets change color from blue to purplish-red in incandescent vs LED/fluorescent lighting due to their chemical composition.
What garnet color is most rare?
Green demantoid andradite garnets are exceptionally rare. Discovered in Russia’s Ural mountains during the mid-1800s, they display a vivid grass-green color caused by chromium. Horsetail inclusions are also part of their exotic appeal.
Which country is best known for garnets?
There is no single country best known for garnets because there are many species found all across the world. But Bohemia (Czech Republic) was renowned for its abundant pyrope garnets since medieval times. Today, African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar also produce prized green grossularite and andradite garnet gems.
How can you tell if a garnet is real?
Have an experienced gemologist examine it. They will check for natural identifying traits like dodecahedral crystal structure, abrasion resistance, density, refractive index, and spectral properties. Lab reports from reputable gemological institutes also help determine if a garnet has been treated or is synthetic.
What is a garnet’s spiritual meaning?
For thousands of years, garnets symbolized light, loyalty, truth, passion, determination, creativity, positivity, and protection to those believing in its spiritual powers. Some associated garnets specifically with the strength of friendships or commitments to loved ones when exchanged as gifts. Garnet gemstones also represented pomegranate seeds from classical myths – as a promise of future joy, success, and even immortality.

Pashalis Laoutaris

Fashion Blogger

I am a professional writer, fashion blogger, and owner of the site https://laoutaris.com. As a salesperson for more than 20 years, I have experience of 10 years in the fashion industry. I consider myself a true fashionista. I am writing daily blog articles about fashion, tools and converters, and everything you need to know about the current fashion trends.

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