Garnet - the January Birthstone

Garnet - the January Birthstone

Garnet is a group of closely related minerals that share a similar crystal structure and chemical composition. While red is the most recognized colour for Garnets, they can occur in a range of colours including green, yellow, orange, and even rare blue hues.

Garnets form under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions, and their colours can vary depending on the elements present during their formation.

Garnets can be synthesized in a laboratory using hydrothermal methods, where crystals are grown in a high-pressure, high-temperature environment. Another method involves using a flux to dissolve the necessary elements, and then slowly cooling the solution to allow crystals to form.

 

Garnet as a Birthstone:

Garnet is the birthstone for January.

It is believed to bring protection, strength, and good health to those born in that month.

In esoteric traditions, Garnet is often associated with grounding, manifestation of desires, and the balancing of energy. It is believed to stimulate the flow of energy and enhance one's internal fire.

Garnet is often linked with the root chakra, helping to promote a sense of security and stability.

 

Crushed Garnet vs. Cut Garnet:

Garnet allows for a consistent and desirable colour appearance in jewellery. The rich, deep red color of many Garnets, particularly those of the pyrope variety, is typically uniform and does not change significantly with different viewing angles.

However, it's essential to note that there are various types of Garnets, and their colours can vary widely. Some Garnets, especially those with a more complex chemical composition or those that belong to different varieties within the Garnet group, may exhibit slight color variations.

The overall appearance of crushed Garnet will be different from that of a faceted or polished Garnet gemstone. The reflective properties and play of light that contribute to the gemstone's beauty may be altered when Garnet is in smaller, irregular shards.

 

Adding Garnet to your ring:

If you'd like to request adding raw crushed Garnet shards to your custom ring design, please click here to message me directly