The versatile gem stone garnet is the birthstone of January. Garnet has other uses as well – Garnet is also the traditional anniversary gem celebrating the 2nd year of marriage.

Garnets are mined worldwide. You’ll find mines in India, Brazil, the US, Madagascar, and other locations. Unfortunately, not all garnets mined are good enough quality to use in jewelry or some other designer function. Only the most precious stones found are fitting for consumer purchase.

A garnet is generally thought of as a red jewel, but you’d be suprised to know that garnets come in a broad variety of colors and tones. There’s something for everybody when it comes to a garnet.

You’ll find the gem in colors such as orange, pink, yellow, green, violet, and others. The color in the garnet is a direct outcome of the special combination of calcium, manganese, and iron.

Many think that there is no such thing as a blue colored garnet, but others will tell you differently. Apparently documented proof points to a blue garnet that was found in Bekily, Madagascar within the last decade or so.

The garnet has many places in history and tradition. Hebrew tradition says that one of the 12 stones in the breastplate of Aaron was a garnet. Noah is said to have directed the Noah’s Ark through the great storm by using the light of a garnet. Christians associate the garnet with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and is thus connected to the idea of salvation.

The garnet makes an ideal gift to a loved one because it’s carries a robust symbol of love. With its great selection of beautiful colors, it’s a fitting gemstone for any season.

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