Garnet Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It is
also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage. When
most people think of garnet, they picture the dark red bohemian garnet that
was popular in Victorian times. You may be surprised to learn that garnets
are found in every color except blue, including brilliant green tsavorite
garnet, raspberry pink rhodolite garnet, and orange malaya garnet. Bright
red "anthill" garnets are found in Arizona. The Tsars of Russia favored rare
green damantoid garnets. Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suit
every taste, as well as an outstanding price range to suit every pocketbook.
Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It
reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from
nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snake bites
and food poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with the
blood. Garnets are durable and brilliant and will give years of pleasure. As
with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp
blows, and extreme tempera-ture changes. Garnets are found in the U.S.,
Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.
GARNET
