Gemstone of the Month of January: Garnet

When we talk we relate Garnet red gemstone more commonly seen. The origin of its name is associated with red tone, garnet word comes from the Medieval word "Granatum" meaning "dark red" and is believed to be extracted from word Granada because of the color of the seeds of the fruit.

There is another connection from the Medieval Latin word "Granum" in reference to the red dye. The use of garnet dating back thousands of years, when it was used by Egyptian pharaohs, for both decorative and ceremonial purposes.

Although red is the color most commonly occurring garnet occurs in almost all colors. One of the newly discovered colors of garnet is the rare blue garnet, which was discovered in the late 1990s in Madagascar. Since then it has been found in other regions such as USA, Russia, Kenya, Tanzania and Turkey. Garnet group is a gem that occurs in more than twenty varieties. Of these varieties, six major types are used as gems. These are Pyrope, Almandite, Spessartite, Grossularite, Andradite and Uvarovite.

Garnet can be identified by its occurrence in metamorphic rock, its hardness (6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale), color, refractive index and cubic crystal structure. However, the quickest way to identify Garnet is using strong neodymium magnets. Garnet is attracted by neodymium magnets because it contains high concentrations of iron and / or manganese.

Garnet Properties:

Chemical Formula: General A3B2(SiO4)3

Almandine Fe3Al2(SiO4)3

Andradite Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3

Grossular Ca3Al2(SiO4)3

Pyrope Mg3Al2(SiO4)3

Rhodolite (Mg, Fe)3Al2(SiO4)3

Spessartine Mn3Al2(SiO4)3

Crystal Structure: (Cubic) rhombic dodecahedron, icositetrahedron

Colour: All colours

Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale

Refractive Index: 1.714 - 1.888

Density: 3.47 - 4.15

Transparency: Translucent to opaque

Double Refraction or Birefringence: Usually none

Lustre: Vitreous

Garnet has long been regarded as the stone of the traveler. In fact, Noah's Ark is said to have had a garnet lantern to help navigate at night. In the traditional Indian belief systems, garnet is associated with the first chakra, or "root chakra", which is placed at the base of the spine. The root chakra when clearly associated with healthy sexual activity and feelings of security and stability. Garnet is also thought to promote business success, encourage compassion and help self-confidence. Garnet is said to have the ability to heal and promote good blood circulation. Garnet is the traditional stone for January, the birthstone of Aquarius and the second anniversary stone.

Garnets are quite sturdy and durable, although the hardness depends on the type of garnet. Keep away from other gemstones to prevent scratches garnets. It is best to wrap the gemstones in soft cloth or place them inside a jewelry box lined fabric.