[Kristin]

The word garnet originally comes from the word granatum, which means seed. Egyptians used to wear these stones as inlay jewelry back in the day. The garnet is one of a number of minerals that consist of rainbow colors that varies from deep red to vibrant green. The biggest sources regarding these types of stones are Africa, India and Sri-Lanka.

This gem is available in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red Bohemian Garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian Demantoid and African Tsavorite. We also see it appearing in the oranges and browns of Spessartite and Hessonite from Namibia and Sri Lanka and the subtle pinks and purples of Rhododendron.

Legend says Garnets light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Garnets have long been carried by travelers to protect against accidents far from home. Garnet is the birthstone for January but with its stunning variety of colors and its mystical powers it has been given as a gift for all occasions for centuries.

Origins of this stone:



From an astrological point of view it’s called the January birthstone since as far back as 3100 B.C. It represents fire, creation, purification and love. Keep in mind that this stone is also known to be one of the oldest talismans in the world and due to its curative power along with its protective energy it was regarded as priceless. It is a sensual stone that grounds spirit forces within the body which enables you to work lovingly on your spiritual and physical plane. This stone was used as a talisman as part of the legendary crusades of the Catholic church, given its warrior properties. The Egyptian Goddess of War is the traditional birthstone of all born in January under the zodiac sign of Aquarius.

How a garnet can benefit you:



They naturally extract the negative energy and transform it into a beneficial state. It removes toxins from the body while purifying your organs and blood. The garnet helps to deal with depression and it has a calm influence that protects you emotionally. It gives you the necessary survival instinct and awareness that affects and strengthen your ability to react in certain situations. Amazingly it actually regenerates the body, helping it to heal and control several imbalances ranging from the spine to the sex drive. For those who wonder about their past lives, this stone is ideal to awaken the energy for exploration. In addition to all these aspects, it provides clarity. Thoughts can be deceiving in many ways, especially when it comes to perception of others. It will help you to make sense of situations you would typically struggle with.


Article Sources: http://birthstones.today/, http://www.wixonjewelers.com/

[Kristin]

8 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE GARNET

By: Stephanie White

Thinking about garnet birthstone jewelry for yourself or a loved one? Discover why this enchanting gem is much more than a January jewel.

Source: www.gemrockauctions.com

1. Over the centuries, garnets were believed to prevent and cure blood disorders and infections as well as stop bleeding, relieve skin inflammation, and ease depression.
2. The name garnet has several possible origins, including from Old French (grenat) and Medieval Latin (granatum) meaning "of dark red color," or perhaps from the word pomegranate due to its resemblance to the shape of the seeds or the color of the pulp. It may also be from Medieval Latin granum "grain," in its sense of "cochineal, red dye."
3. Garnet jewelry has been discovered as early as 3000 BC in burial sites, possibly used as protection in the afterlife.
4. Garnet has been designated not only for January birthdays, but for 2nd, 6th, and 19th wedding anniversaries (but we think it’s appropriate for everything in between).

Source: http://metalclayalchemist.com/

5. Legend says that Noah used a luminous garnet to light the ark, and Christian tradition considered the blood-red gem a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.
6. One of the twelve gems in Aaron’s breastplate, according to Hebrew writers, was a garnet.
7. The garnet lights the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems in the Koran.
8. Hades gave a pomegranate to Persephone before she departed to ensure her quick return, which is why the garnet may be given to a loved one that is moving or embarking on a trip to ensure a speedy reunion.


Article Source: http://www.swcreations.net/