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January Birthstone: Garnet
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GARNET

Garnet, the birthstone for January, comes in many different colors; However, the most popular is the deep red colored garnet. Many representations of this stone relate to friendship and trust. Named from the Latin ‘granatum’ meaning "seed" referring to it's resemblance to the pomegranate seed, this stone is nothing but gorgeous.
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Garnet, the birthstone for January, comes in many different colors; However, the most popular is the deep red colored garnet. Many representations of this stone relate to friendship and trust. Named from the Latin ‘granatum’ meaning "seed" referring to it's resemblance to the pomegranate seed, this stone is nothing but gorgeous.
Garnets are a group of silicate minerals and are found in igneous and metamorphic rock all over the world. It comes in a variety of colors, with deep, rich red garnets being the most common. The garnet family is one of the most complex in the gem world. It’s not a single species but instead consists of several species and varieties. The name garnet derives from the Latin word for grain due to the similarity between their rounded crystals and a pomegranate’s seeds. Garnet is the official birthstone for January and signifies protection, friendship, trust, commitment, and love. Garnet is also said to keep the wearer safe during travel.
Garnet is the birthstone for January. Its name derives from the medieval Latin "granatus," which means "pomegranate," according to the Geological Institute of America (GIA). The name is also tied to the Middle English "gernet," or "dark red," the American Gem Society reports.
Garnets were discovered in the Bronze Age and have been treasured for over 5000 years! In fact, ‘garnet,’ which is granatus in Latin, means “pomegranate,” which describes its color perfectly. Garnets have been used in jewelry pieces like necklaces since the times of ancient Egypt. In the Middle Ages, deep red garnet jewelry was a favorite of nobility and clergy. This blood-red gemstone was also popular in the Victorian era when jewelry would feature this gem long before diamonds were in fashion. According to ancient Indian astrology, the January birthstone garnet is believed to eliminate negative feelings and instead instill self-confidence and promote clarity of the mind and creative thinking. It is also thought to be a gemstone that will keep one safe while traveling. Whatever symbolism you choose to believe, one thing is certain; garnet is a stunning gem! The garnet stone can be found in various regions worldwide, but Africa supplies much of the world’s supply.
This gem is available in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red Bohemian garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian Demantoid and African Tsavorite. We also see it appear in the oranges and browns of Spessartite and Hessonite from Namibia and Sri Lanka and in the subtle pinks and purples of Rhododendron. Legend says garnets light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Garnets have long been carried by travelers to protect against accidents far from home. Garnet may be the birthstone for January, but its stunning variety of colors has made it a gift for all occasions.
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