What You Need to Know About the January Birthstone: Garnet

 If you were born in January, you have the privilege of having garnet as your birthstone. Garnet is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. It is known for its beauty, durability, and symbolism. At Brettland Poulsen we have a stunning selection of garnet jewellery, handcrafted by our talented goldsmiths.

The Meaning and History of Garnet

 The name garnet comes from the Latin word “granatus”, which means “pomegranate”. This is because some garnets resemble the red seeds of this fruit. Garnets have been used as gemstones and abrasives since ancient times. They were prized by the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and other civilizations for their healing, protective, and spiritual properties.

Garnets are also associated with different meanings and virtues, depending on the culture and the color of the stone. Some of the common attributes of garnet are:

• Passion
• Courage
• Loyalty
• Faith
• Friendship
• Love
• Success
• Prosperity
• Health

The Colours and Varieties of Garnet

 Garnet is not a single mineral, but a group of several minerals that share a similar crystal structure and chemical composition. There are six main types of garnet: almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, andradite, and uvarovite. Each type has its own characteristics and colour range.

The most common colour of garnet is red, but it can also be found in orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, and even colourless. Some garnets can also change colour under different light sources, such as alexandrite and colour-change garnet. Some of the most popular and valuable varieties of garnet are:

• Rhodolite: a purplish-red to pinkish-red garnet that is a mixture of almandine and pyrope.
• Tsavorite: a bright green garnet that is a variety of grossular. It is named after the Tsavo National Park in Kenya, where it was discovered in 1967.
• Demantoid: a green garnet that is a variety of andradite. It has a high refractive index and a strong dispersion, which gives it a fiery brilliance. It is also known for its characteristic “horsetail” inclusions, which are fine fibers of asbestos.
• Spessartite: an orange to reddish-orange garnet that is a variety of spessartine. It is sometimes called “mandarin garnet” for its vivid color.
• Hessonite: a brownish-red to orange garnet that is a variety of grossular. It is also called “cinnamon stone” for its resemblance to the spice.

When choosing a garnet, you should consider the following factors:

• Colour: The colour of garnet is the most important factor that affects its value and beauty. The more saturated and vivid the colour, the more desirable the garnet. However, personal preference and taste also play a role in choosing the colour that suits you best.
• Clarity: Most garnets are transparent to translucent, with few or no visible inclusions. However, some inclusions can enhance the appearance of the stone, such as the horsetail inclusions in demantoid or the rutile needles in star garnet. The clarity of garnet depends on the type and origin of the stone, and some varieties are more included than others.
• Cut: The cut of garnet can affect its brilliance, colour, and size. Garnets can be cut into any shape and style, from round to oval, from cushion to pear, from cabochon to faceted. The cut should maximize the beauty and performance of the stone, while minimizing the weight loss and flaws.
• Carat: The carat weight of garnet is a measure of its size and mass. Garnets can be found in a wide range of sizes, from tiny to large. The price per carat of garnet varies depending on the type, colour, clarity, and cut of the stone. Generally, the rarer and more valuable the garnet, the higher the price per carat.

Garnet is a gemstone that offers a stunning array of colours, varieties, and meanings. It is a perfect choice for anyone who loves beauty, diversity, and symbolism. Whether you are looking for a gift for yourself or someone special, garnet is a gemstone that will surely delight and impress.  Visit our website www.brettlandpoulsen.co.za or our store at La Lucia Mall to browse our garnet collection and learn more about this fascinating gemstone.

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