Garnet is January's birthstone and a popular gemstone among collectors. Its history dates back thousands of years, and it's one of the most desirable stones on the market today.
Here, we explore some of the reasons why Garnet is such a popular gemstone.
ITS COLOURS
Garnet appears in various colours ranging from orange to green to black, not to mention the iconic red that most are already familiar with.
However, the most mesmerising aspect of Garnet's colours is that they all form entirely naturally.
A Garnet's colour depends on the elements it's exposed to while it's forming, and it is rare for the gemstone to undergo any colour-enhancing treatment because its colours are so naturally vibrant.
ITS HISTORY
We can never be sure of exactly when Garnet was first discovered. But, the stone was once found on a mummified body recovered from an Egyptian tomb. It's been adored by gemstone collectors for thousands of years, and its popularity continues today.
ITS LEGEND
As Garnet has been around for such a long time, it has many myths and legends surrounding it. Many cultures believe it is a stone of love and passion and can brighten up the darkest places.
It has even been written that Noah used a Garnet stone to light up the inside of his ark.
ITS STRENGTH
Depending on the variety of Garnet, the stone sits between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it a popular stone as it is durable enough for daily wear, and an excellent stone to have set into jewellery.
ITS BEAUTY
Need we say more? With its multiple colours and remarkable history, Garnet is one of the most desirable gemstones out there. Its many qualities attract gemstone lovers worldwide, and it's easy to see why.
Garnet is much more than January's birthstone – it's been admired since ancient times, and is a gemstone that deserves a place in any jewellery collection.
EXPLORE GARNET JEWELLERY
