9 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Garnet

Posted on Wednesday, January 6th, 2016 in Gemstones, Informational.



In honor of it currently being the beginning of January, we thought it would be an apt time to talk about this month’s birthstone. Enjoy these 9 fascinating garnet facts.

  1. January’s birthstone has historically signified faith, friendship, loyalty, and truthfulness.

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    Spessartine Garnet Ring

  2. Most garnets can be classified as one or a mixture of five different types: almandine, pyrope, andradite, grossular, and spessartine. The two most uncommon types are rhodolite (which is a blend of pyrope and almandine) and spessartine. These two garnet types are considered the most valuable.
  3. Garnets occur in every color but blue.
  4. The gemstone is believed to calm anxiety, cheer the heart, encourage guidance and inspire creativity.
  5. Its name derives from the Greek word “granatum,” which means pomegranate seed. In fact pomegranate seeds have a similar shape and color as the gemstone’s crystals.

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    Garnet Drop Earrings

  6. Garnets are the suggested gift for the 2nd wedding anniversary.
  7. Today, the most important sources for garnet are Mozambique, Tanzania, Brazil, Madagascar, and India.
  8. Garnet is actually one of the four major types of sandpaper currently on the market. Since it is a natural abrasive, it is commonly used in woodworking.
  9. The largest garnet ever found was actually discovered underground in New York City, below Broadway and 7th Street. The size of a bowling ball, this garnet weighs about ten pounds and currently resides in the archives of the American Museum of Natural History.