January Birthstone - the Color of the Garnet
The traditional color associated with the garnet is the deep red color and was strongly favored as a popular gem in Victorian jewelry. The meaning of colors through the ages represented many aspects of life. Social, religious, biblical and Christian symbolism were all reflected in the color Red! The symbolic meaning of the color red was of fire and was associated with power and importance. The January birthstone is not just confined to the deep red color, garnets can be found in nearly all other colors including orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, and colorless.
Definition of the Garnet, the January Birthstone
Definition of Garnet, the January birth stone: The word garnet is derived from the Greek word "granatum" which means "pomegranate seed" which reflect the shape and color of the crystals. Garnets are a group of hard glassy minerals (silicates of various metals) used as gemstones and as an abrasive. Pure crystals of garnet are used as gemstones. The garnet family contain 7 major types: almandine, andradite, demantoid, grossularite, pyrope, spessartite, uvarovite stones. Crystal structure of the garnet, the January birthstone Isometric, rhombic, dodecahedron.
January Birth stone - the History of the Garnet
For those who were born in the month of January the garnet is the traditional birthstone. The history, myths, legends and folklore surrounding the magical properties of different birthstones have been handed down through the ages and from different civilisations. This subject has been documented separately in the History of Birthstones section which can be accessed by the link at the top of the page.
