Birthstone Spotlight: Garnet
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It’s a new year (thank goodness, right?) and time to spotlight another birthstone! Up next is garnet, the birthstone for January.
In ancient times, red garnets — along with other red gemstones — were referred to as carbuncle. In the Bible, God gave four gemstones to King Solomon, and carbuncle is thought to have been one of them.
Garnets were also worn by pharaohs in ancient Egypt and were even buried with their mummified bodies. Ancient Romans used carved garnets in signet rings to stamp the wax on significant documents. During the Middle Ages, red garnet was a favorite among the nobility and clergy. Around the year 1500, red garnet became more available with the discovery of Bohemian garnet deposits in central Europe.
Gemologists often subdivide these categories of garnet even further. Some of the most popular sub-categories include tsavorite (a beautiful green variety) and rhodolite (a purplish-red variety).
What is Garnet?
The term “garnet” actually refers to a variety of gemstones. These gemstones are composed of closely-related minerals and come in several colors, including red, orange, green, and purple. Red garnets are by far the most popular variety, and are what most people think of when they hear “garnet.”
The History of Garnet
In ancient times, red garnets — along with other red gemstones — were referred to as carbuncle. In the Bible, God gave four gemstones to King Solomon, and carbuncle is thought to have been one of them. Garnets were also worn by pharaohs in ancient Egypt and were even buried with their mummified bodies. Ancient Romans used carved garnets in signet rings to stamp the wax on significant documents. During the Middle Ages, red garnet was a favorite among the nobility and clergy. Around the year 1500, red garnet became more available with the discovery of Bohemian garnet deposits in central Europe.
Quality Factors
Garnets are most easily sorted by color. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular garnet types.- Pyrope and almandine - range in color from orangy-red to purple
- Andradite - ranges from yellow to yellowish green
- Spessartine - come in various shades of orange
- Grossular - ranges from yellow to orangish-red to vibrant green
Gemologists often subdivide these categories of garnet even further. Some of the most popular sub-categories include tsavorite (a beautiful green variety) and rhodolite (a purplish-red variety).
How to Care For Garnet Jewelry
Garnet jewelry can be worn and enjoyed often but be careful to avoid hitting rings on hard surfaces. To clean garnet jewelry, use warm water and a soft brush. Most garnets can also be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Steam cleaning is generally not recommended for garnet jewelry.Interesting Facts About Garnet
- Garnet is January’s birthstone and the gemstone for the 2nd wedding anniversary.
- Garnet rates as a 6.5 to 7.5 on Moh’s scale.
- The King of Saxony is believed to have owned over 465 carats of garnet
- In the Middle Ages, garnet was believed to cure depression, protect against bad dreams, and cure certain physical ailments
- A red garnet bead necklace discovered in an Egyptian grave is believed to be over 5,000 years old!
