Garnets – The January Birthstone

Garnets – The January Birthstone

Garnets are defined as “any of a group of hard, vitreous minerals, silicates of calcium, magnesium, iron, or manganese with aluminum or iron, varying in color: a deep-red transparent variety is used as a gem and as an abrasive.” Known for their intense, deep red color and ability to heal and enhance physical endurance, it’s no surprise that garnet would be the birthstone of January Capricorns and Aquarians, who are notoriously strong, independent, and stoic. 

January-borns, also known for their serious and often gloomy disposition, would particularly benefit from wearing or carrying the stone, as it’s thought to be able to procure happiness and protect individuals from depression. It is often referred to as the “Gem of Faith” due to the legend that those who wear it and do good things for the world will attract good and positive things into their life.

What is Garnet?

The stone’s name is derived from the Latin word for seed, “granatum,” due to its resemblance to the color of a pomegranate seed, and the 14th Century Middle English word for dark red, “gernet.” It is not, however, confined to its brilliant deep red color. It also is popular in orange and yellow forms. Demantoid, a green variety of the stone, is extremely rare, expensive, and desired.

History of Garnet

Use of garnet is referenced back to the Bronze Age and was used by the Ancient Egyptians, who saw the gem as a symbol of life, circa 3100 BC in their jewelry. It’s popularity carried through ancient civilization to the Romans in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Garnet became especially popular with the royal class in the 14th century, as nobles in the Middle Ages set the jewel on their rings, brooches, buckles, and necklaces to not only demonstrate their status but also to serve as a talisman. Garnet began to be seen as a way to protect oneself against negative energy by staving off depression and bad dreams in the Medieval Ages.

In addition to serving as an emotional healer, garnet was often prescribed to treat physical ailments such as inflammatory conditions and illnesses. They were even associated with preventing and treating liver, heart, lung, and skin diseases.

Garnet & Love

Greek mythology says that Hades gave a pomegranate to Persephone before she left him to encourage a safe and expeditious return. Since garnet is closely tied with the symbolism of pomegranate, it is often used as a symbol of strength and reunion between two long-distance or lost lovers.

The stone is all about balance and groundedness, helping you to keep a steady head throughout your most passionate endeavors. It balances the sex drive by ensuring a physical relationship reaches a deeper, more visceral height. It is an excellent stone to incorporate into your wedding, engagement, or anniversary ring as it pairs with the diamond as a simple of stability, commitment, and devotion.

In addition to its relationship to romantic relationships, garnet also has a lot of power within friendships due to its connection with subduing passion while bolstering emotional connection.

Here are some options for garnet birthstone jewelry.