If you were born in January, you’re lucky to have the unique gem garnet as your birthstone. Birthstone jewelry is special, but it’s not enough to wear them—you should also know all the extra details about them.
It’s not uncommon for people to ask you questions about your birthstone when they spot you wearing it so you’ll need the answers. If you’re curious about the January birthstone, this guide is for you.
What is January’s birthstone?
Garnet is the January birthstone. It has various species with similar crystal forms and physical properties but different in chemical compositions. Garnets are never found in their pure state, so their varieties are called blends.
Although over 20 varieties of garnet exist, only six are commercially recognized as gems. They include pyrope, almandine, andradite, grossular, uvarovite and spessartine. In the past, this gemstone was believed to have healing powers and protect the wearer. It was also a symbol of love, friendship, and loyalty.
Why is garnet the birthstone for January?
There is no specific reason why garnet is the January birthstone. The National Association of Jewelers curated the month-specific birthstone list in 1912, which has remained unchanged since then.
What color is January’s birthstone?
The most popular garnet color is red. However it occurs in green, purple, orange, yellow, and colorless.
Is garnet the only birthstone for January?
Yes, garnet is the only birthstone for January although it occurs in different colors.
What does it mean when you wear a garnet?
When you wear garnet jewelry, you were most likely born in January or it’s a loved one’s birthstone. It can also mean you love red gemstones. After all, garnet is one of the most popular red gems after ruby.
Does garnet help with depression?
In medieval times, the garnet gem was prescribed to alleviate depression as it was believed to bring joy to the user. However, there’s no scientific evidence that it treats and cures depression.
Can you wear a garnet every day?
Yes, you can wear garnet jewelry every day. With a rating of 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it’s a durable gemstone for all jewelry types. However, if you’re involved in daily rigorous activities that may cause a hard impact to the jewelry, you may want to take it off first—in the case of garnet rings, use protective settings like bezel.
6 things to know about January’s main birthstone
Here are 6 things you should know about the January birthstone.
Origin
The name garnet is likely derived from the Latin word malum granatum, which refers to a pomegranate, a plant with a red seed cover. While it’s mostly found in metamorphic rocks, a few exist in sedimentary and igneous rocks. Mining of these precious stones takes place in different locations across the world including countries like Russia, Tanzania, Iran, India, and Namibia.
Qualities
Garnet is available in various colors, and light transmission through the gem depends on whether it’s a transparent or opaque variety. The gemstone’s luster is vitreous and durable, and its rating is 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Uses
Although garnet is known as a popular gemstone for lovely jewelry pieces, it also supposedly has healing properties. Additionally, it has industrial uses, such as in abrasive powders, sand paper, and water filtration granules.
Price
The price of a garnet depends on its quality and stone grade. The price of a decently colored garnet with inclusions ranges between $500 and $600 per carat. Larger, cleaner, and excellently colored stones cost between $2000 and $7000.
Rarity
Almandine is the most common gemstone in the family, while andradite is the rarest. Demantoid, a variety of andradite, is green, similar to emerald, and its fire is greater than that of diamonds. Due to its rarity and characteristics, it’s one of the most valuable garnets on the market.
Care & maintenance
Garnet doesn’t require fancy cleaning, but regular cleaning. Here’s a step-by-step process for cleaning the January gemstone.
Materials Needed
- Liquid soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled brush
Instructions
- Brush off any visible dirt from the jewelry’s surface.
- Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid, like Dawn, to a bowl of water.
- Drop your jewelry in the water and brush gently.
- Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with clean water.
- Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
One gemstone, different varieties
Variety is the spice of life and that’s what the January birthstone offers you. Even though red is the most popular garnet color, you can choose the unconventional route by choosing a different color for your jewelry.
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