Legends and Facts Associated With Garnets

Garnet Andradite

       Garnet gems are found in every color, with reddish shades most common. Blue garnets are the rarest and were first reported in the 1990s. 

       Garnet species' light transmission properties can range from the gemstone-quality transparent specimens to the opaque varieties used for industrial purposes as abrasives. The mineral's lustre is categorized as vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like).

• Cosmic Geology talks about the garnet group
• The gemstones that stole Martha Washington's heart...
• Garnets 101 by Paul Deasy Gemstones

Legends:

       In Persia, the garnet was considered a talisman against injurious forces of nature, such as lightning and storm. 

      In the Middle Ages it was believed that the garnet was its own protection against poison and plague. The garnet was worn to attract health and cheerfulness. Like the ruby, it warned its owner of approaching danger by changing color. 

      According to the seers and astrologists of the past, the Constellation Aquarius-the eleventh sign of the Zodiac-exerted its influence from January 20th to February 18th. It endows the person born under it with a special aptitude for the fine arts. It gives him long life and lofty position, and makes of him an orator or author. An individual under this sign will have a graceful, gentle nature. 

"The gleaming garnet holds within its sway 

Faith, Constancy and Truth to one always."

According to The Farmer's Almanac:

• Birthday Flowers for January Are: Snowdrops and Carnations
• The bird selected to represent the month of January is an owl.

• Back to "What Are Birthstones?"