JANUARY
Garnet is not just a reddish-orange-brown stone. It comes in many natural colors, including green, purple, pink, apricot, yellow, tangerine, and the rare color-changing garnet that shifts from greenish-blue to reddish-purple!
Pomegranate Roots
The name comes from the Latin word granatus, meaning "seed-like," because the stones resemble the deep-red seeds of a pomegranate.
Ancient History
Garnets have been used in jewelry and ceremonial pieces for over 5,000 years, tracing back to Egyptian pharaoh necklaces, Roman signet rings, and Victorian-era pieces.
Localities
Garnets are found in many areas of the world, but gem quality is scarce. Africa is a major source of garnets, especially Tanzania (the first African country I visited to buy gemstones).
San Diego County, where I live, produced a beautiful orange Spessartite in Ramona called Little Three Mine in the 1950-1990s.
Hardness
Ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Treatment
Garnets are completely natural and untreated, lacking heating for color and clarity enhancement.
