Garnet is the official birthstone for January. Its name is derived from the Latin word for Garanatus, which means seed-like, as it is similar to a pomegranate seed in both size and color. This gemstone symbolizes health, prosperity, and regeneration, all of which are in our hopes when starting a fresh New Year. Although it is available in many colors, deep red happens to be the most common color of garnet. With countless years of history behind it, we decided to dig a little deeper and explore the origin and types of garnet!

Garnet Triple Strand Burgundy Necklace

Patrice’s Garnet Drop Earrings

History

During the Bronze Age, Egyptians would use garnet as an embellishment in their jewelry and carvings because it symbolized life.  In time, it also became very popular among the Romans and Ancient Greeks. Warriors during the Crusades used garnets as a lucky charm when going into battle because they believed it had healing powers.

Back in the biblical period, it is believed that a garnet stone led Noah’s Ark through the darkness and into the light. Today, people adore garnet mostly because of what it represents, and use it in jewelry, prayer beads, and the realm of spiritual healing.

Types

There are different types of garnet gemstones depending on their chemical composition. Due to the difference of their chemical composition, each gemstone will differ in color. The following are the types of garnet:

Almandine

Most common form of the gemstone and its color is black and red.

Pyrope

Always displays a dark, blood red color, which makes it an attractive gemstone.

Spessartite

Forms a mandarin orange to a red orange color.

Grosullar

Forms a brown, orange, green, yellow-green, and grey color.

Andradite

Not as well known as other garnets, however it forms a black, grey, green, yellow, red, pink, brown, and orange color.

Uvarovite

Considered a rare type; it forms a consistently emerald green color.