The Garnet: Birthstone Charm of Warmth and Fire

Garnet jewelry has a history that dates back to the Bronze Age, circa 3000 BC. Garnets were found in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece.

Traditionally, the garnet as a birthstone charm is recognized for the month of January. It has also been named as an alternative birthstone for the month of November. The garnet is also known as the "second anniversary" ring and is sometimes given as a gift to celebrate that occasion.

The name of the garnet derives from the Latin for grain, or "granum." This was meant to describe the traditional red garnet that resembles the inside of a pomegranate and its seeds. It also refers to the roundness of the crystals in the gem.

Where is the Garnet Found?
Garnets are mined in six states in the United States: Arizona, Idaho, Arkansas, Utah, New Mexico, and Kentucky. They are sometimes referred to in slang as "The Arizona Ruby."

Garnets are also mined in quantity in Africa. In Europe, garnet mining is done in Germany, Czechoslovakia and Spain.
The main site of garnet mining is in Russia's Ural Mountains.

Healing Properties of Garnet Jewelry
If you are wearing a garnet ring, garnet necklace, or garnet charm bracelet, you are wearing a metaphysically powerful as well as physically warming stone.

According to ancient Egyptians and Greeks, as well as New Age and Crystal healers, this gemstone has many of the highest healing qualities. Garnet is said to have restorative properties which are recommended in the healing of toxicity and blood poisoning as well as circulatory dysfunction. The garnet is also widely revered as helpful in arthritis and muscle pain due to its warming energy.

The several shades and qualities of garnet are purported to promote differing powers in spiritual and mental states. If you were to be suffering from stress and worry, you would want to wear a garnet charm bracelet of the more purple gemstones. The purple garnets include Grape and Mozambique.

Those who are experiencing a lack of purpose and focus may want to wear their birthstone ring of green garnet. Andradite and African Jade are beautiful examples of the green garnet family.

Orange shaded garnets are known to symbolize commitment and you may want to choose a beautiful Mandarin orange or Malaya garnet necklace as a gift for your special loved one.

Yellow-brown garnets, known as Hessonite, come mainly from Sri Lanka. Although these are thought to be of lower quality (their name comes from the Greek word "hesson" meaning inferior) they can be quite beautiful. The Hessonite is known for aiding in overcoming addiction and promoting stability and security.

Garnets, with their traditional warming powers, are also known to promote sensuality, passion and fertility. These are the jewels you will want to wear most often with your soul mate and special friends to enhance your feelings of intimacy and kinship.

The Value of Garnets
The garnet is a semi-precious stone and is generally less expensive to purchase than many others. It is a particularly durable gemstone with a hardness of 7 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale. This means that your garnet birthstone ring will perfectly weather the test of time and can be worn in your every day life.

Of course,the garnet is a beautiful and long lasting gem and you do not need to be born in January to enjoy wearing this stone. Garnets possess a highly refractive quality and wearing any of its various shades will dress up whatever fashion you choose. Garnet rings, necklaces, charm bracelets, and pendants will accent every outfit beautifully, from leisure wear to that special formal ensemble.

Modern men will want to choose the garnet as well. The garnet birthstone ring, wedding ring, or tie clip especially suits a man with a busy lifestyle. This is a most functional stone which, because of its durability and bright refractive effect, will be appreciated by anyone who wears or views it.

When you wear your garnet jewelry, you can be confident that you are wearing a beautiful warm restorative stone with a passionate history.