January Birthstones Fun & Interesting Facts

January Birthstones & Jewelry - January is home of the Garnet. Garnet jewelry dates back and was first mined in Sri Lanka over 2,500 years ago. Early forms of the stone in jewelry were seen as early as the bronze age. Garnets are adored for their dark red and brown tones and are a very good gift for a fall fashion piece. Garnets are considered to be the protective stone of travelers and when given symbolize ones love and desire for the safe return of another. The garnet is found all across the world having been discovered in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America; and in the United States, in Arizona and Idaho. It is most commonly found in it's deep red form but does exist in other colors from yellow to orange, Rosy pinks to lime greens and violets. It's rich colors are caused by it's mixes of iron, calcium, and manganese.

There are many myths surrounding the garnet. There is a Greek myth which links the garnet to the story Persephone, the goddess of sunshine who was kidnapped by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually did release Persephone, but first he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which ensured her return to him. There is also one Biblical legend is that Noah hung this gem on the ark so that it could light his way throughout the dark and stormy nights of God's wrath across the great sea. The Garnet tests a six point five to seven point five on Mohs scale of hardness. It may be necessity to have your Garnet Jewelry buffed every five to ten years to keep it looking at it best quality. Not all Garnet is gem quality however and much of the Garnet that is mined is used for commercial purposes. Garnet jewelry is fairly common and is the perfect gift for any January birthday.