Garnet: January Birthstone Qualities

30 January 2017

Garnet is the birthstone of January and is a group name given to the silicate minerals of pyrope, almandine, grossular, Mozambique, andradite, uvarovite, tsavorite, spessartine and others. As a result, the colours and qualities of this birthstone will vary depending upon which one it is within this group. Superstition dictates that this gemstone will protect the wearer from harm during his or her travels, but other beliefs also are connected to this stone. We offer you further facts about this type of silicate mineral below for your consideration.

COLOUR VARIATIONS

The variations in the garnet colours range from pale green to deep red. While the deep red is the most common, certain shades of green are the rarest, especially when the garnets are in the tsavorite class of silicate minerals. Only five of the long list of garnets are commercially viable for today’s jewellery market, though, and they are the following:

• Pyrope
• Spessartine
• Almandine
• Andradite
• Grossular

HARDNESS RANKING FOR GARNETS

The MOHS ranking of the hardness level for garnets is 6.5 to 7.5 and this means that they will stand up under normal wear conditions, but they are not as durable as diamonds, which rank the hardest at 10 on MOHS. Since the characteristics do vary between the garnets, certain stones will not fit into this hardness level. Keep to the commercially viable ones to receive the best hardness level in garnets.

LIGHT-TRANSMISSION PROPERTIES

Garnets are highly reflective in nature. With the right cut and lighting, these gemstones show off their unique colouring in a brilliant manner. Cuts for these stones range from circular to heart-shaped. You can set these stones in white-gold, yellow-gold, sterling silver or platinum settings, and still retain their colour quality. Impurities in the garnets will negatively affect their light-transmission ability.

THE MEANING OF GARNETS

Over the years, there has been various meanings and beliefs tagged to garnets from these stones safeguarding you against harm during your travels to enhancing your cleverness. Alternative medicine believers consider garnet as a healing stone that helps cure lung, blood and heart issues. Romantics even attribute an increase of sexuality and sensuality to wearing this gemstone.

For quality garnet jewellery to wear your January birthstone with pride, turn to Ken Ross Jewellers. We are an Australian company that specialises in quality jewellery ranging from earrings to watches. While we custom create on demand, we also carry a number of pre-made items in stock to fulfil your immediate desires or needs. Whether you require a gift for a special someone, or a piece or two to enhance your outfits, we are the jeweller for you.

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