January's Birthstone - Garnet

Showpiece necklace w/ matching earrings displaying Carnelian and faceted Garnet in various shapes

---

January is here folks! You know what that means, new beginnings, new happiness, and new exciting adventures. Garnet symbolizes love, passion, prosperity, & good health - this is just a few reasons why Garnet is an exceptional birthstone for January.

There are a couple different approaches on how Garnet got its name. One notion was it came from the Latin word “garanatus” which means ‘seed-like’ referring to the similarities between this gemstone and Pomegranate seeds. Another belief was it came from a Middle English word “gernet” which translates to ‘dark red’ referring to the Crimson red color of Garnet we all know and love.

Some may be surprised to hear that Garnet can be found in many colors, not just red. The type of Garnet determines the coloring of the stone. A few of the main types of Garnet are Almandine, Pyrope, Rhodolite, Spessartite, Demantoid, & more; the chemical composition varies but the overall chemical structure stays the same. Other colors found are orange, yellow, green, purple, pink and in extraordinarily rare cases, blue. 

Garnet is mined all over the Country, but mainly sourced from Tanzania, China, Russia, Canada, & here in the United States. It can be found in sedimentary, igneous, & metamorphic rocks. It can also be found in magma chambers, volcanic eruptions, & lava flow. A Garnet forms when sedimentary rock that is rich with aluminum experiences intense heat & pressure. With a hardness of 6.5 – 7.5 on the MOHs scale, this gem makes for a perfect choice for any type of jewelry.

Shop delightful Garnet Jewelry & Specimens online or in any of our 3 galleries located in Santa Fe, & Taos, NM and Sedona, AZ.

Dangle Earrings displaying faceted Garnet and White Topaz

Pendant Featuring a large teardrop Rose Quartz and a round faceted Garnet below

Garnet Bracelet with rough Garnet in Matrix in the background