Garnet
The name Garnet comes from the Latin granatus,
which means “seed like” or “having many seeds”
from the crystals resemblance to pomegranate seeds. The color
of red gems suggested blood to primitive cultures. Red garnets
were thought to stop bleeding and cure inflammation. They were
believed to have powers to smooth discord between enemies and
to prevent blood shed. Asian and North American tribes used
them as bullets, believing that their rich, glowing color might
cause more deadly wounds. Garnet is considered the gem of
faith, constancy, and truth. It occurs in every color in the
spectrum, except blue. Each of these colors is permissible to
wear for the January birthstone.
Wedding Anniversary:
2nd-Garnet
5th-Rodolite Garnet
12th-Tsavorite Garnet
Astrological Sign:
Capricorn
(Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
R.I.: 1.790 (+. 030)
S.G.: 4.05 (+ .25, -. 12)
Hardness: 7-7.5
Toughness: Fair to Good
Care: Avoid abrupt temperature changes
Enhancements: none known
Principle Sources: India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Brazil
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