Garnets are traditionally known as the birthstone for the month of January and are thought to promote healing of blood disorders. Maybe in view of its deep red color, primitive cultures in the middle Ages believed that Garnets would help stop bleeding and also cure blood disorders and infection. In the modern day however, Garnet is the January Birthstone and is considered as a symbol of loyalty and deep affection. It is also said to protect the traveler from harm. Although it is the blood red stone called the Almandine Garnet that is most popular, Garnets come in almost every color imaginable while green garnets are very rare and therefore considered very valuable and as such, highly prized.
Surprisingly however, the variety of colors that the garnets are found in is said to be due to the impurities contained in the stone. These inclusions are mostly as a result of metals such iron, manganese and aluminum particles being embedded in the stone. At times, these impurities in the form of tiny metal fibers within the stone can create a star in the center of the garnet to make it a very rare gemstone. Looking very much like the ruby red seeds of the pomegranate, the name “garnet” itself has been derived from the Latin word for this exotic fruit “Granatum”.
In the ancient times, Chinese and Japanese warriors are said to have made bullets from Garnets in the belief that it would cause more harm to their intended victims. This popular myth seems to have been in vogue as recently as the 1890’s when Kashmir soldiers had fired bullets made of garnets at their British counterparts. Closer to home, Native American tribes had used this gemstone in the manufacture of their weapons even more for the medicinal powers of the garnet which they thought could protect them from poisoned darts. Some other known attributes of the garnet is its ability to cure depression and nightmares and also help break a fever.
Garnet, January Birthstone is for the man or woman born under the zodiac sign of Aquarius and today it is more favored for its clear deep color than for any powers attributed to it. This does not take away the charming thought behind the gifting of Garnets which are said to symbolize enduring love and long lasting happiness. Although not difficult to find, quality garnets are quite rare and can be found only in countries such as Australia, India Spain and South America in streams where the rock is eroded.
Suitable and thought provoking , an ideal gift for those born under the sign of Aquarius, Garnet January birthstone is also the gemstone for a 2nd Wedding Anniversary and is said to promote stable relationships, love, passion and fidelity between married couples. None can deny the radiant sparkle of the garnet be it in a pair of earrings, a bracelet or necklace and its ability to last a long time which makes it an heirloom that it can be passed on from generation to generation