January Birthstones

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Garnet is the major gemstone for January. The word “garnet” comes from the Latin Granatum, which means pomegranate seed. General on colors - Garnets can be found in green, range, pinkish orange, purplish red, even blue but the deep red is the most prized representing sincerity and a strong work ethic. Pyrop is the most well-known species of garnet. This is the one that comes in the famous red color. The name Pyrop means ‘like fire’ when translated from Greek.

History - Beaded garnet necklaces have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back thousands of years ago. The oldest known is from 3800 BC The Egyptians referred to this gem as the symbol of life. Some ancient cultures used to place the garnet directly into wounds to activate its alleged healing powers. Rings carved garnet emblems used in ancient Rome to stamp wax on important and official documents. Bohemia has long been considered the center of garnet industry, however nowadays it is found in many parts of the world including New York City metro area. One of the largest specimens was found in Herald Square and is now in the Natural History Museum. In fact, thousands of garnets were found on Manhattan Island. Rockhounds often search for these gems after big storms as they get washed out and can be spotted gleaming against rock and sand. Some peoples in middle Asia used garnets as bullets, for example during the Kashmir rebellion against British troops in 1892. Many soldiers actually kept those precious bullets as souvenirs. Because garnets are softer than gems like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, they were often used for engravings. They were also carved into heads of emperors or gods. In Persia this birth gem was considered a talisman from nature's forces like storm and lightning. It was widely accepted that garnet could signal approaching danger by turning pale. During the middle ages this birthstone was its own protection against theft, bringing misfortune to the thief until the stone was returned to the rightful owner. Ancient legends attributed to garnet calming influence over hot tempered individuals. Psychoanalysts used garnets in their sessions. The garnet crystal is a gemstone that has been used for centuries to ward off evil, promote good health, and encourage the wearer’s inner strength. It was believed in ancient times to have healing powers because of its deep red color which symbolizes love and life. Today people around the world believe it can help with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual issues. Called the “stone of health,” it was believed to give its wearer energy and protect against illness. Because garnets were considered the stone of health and strength, they have been used to strengthen a woman’s milk supply and for fertility. Garnets were also worn by young girls as a charm to protect them from evil spirits. In ancient times, Egyptians used it as a symbol of fertility and long life. Others used it as a stone of rebirth for people who had already passed on. In the Middle Ages, kings wore garnets on their crowns as a symbol of strength and protection from evil.

As symbol - In ancient times, Egyptians used it as a symbol of fertility and long life. Others used it as a stone of rebirth for people who had already passed on. In the Middle Ages, kings wore garnets on their crowns as a symbol of strength and protection from evil. Today it is seen as a symbol of creativity and individuality This dazzling January birthstone symbolizes affection, trust and spiritual devotion. Garnet empowers the individual, increasing will-power and self image while aiding in soothing nervousness. The Garnet pushes you to challenge adversity by providing directional guidance and is believed to protect the traveler. It could enhance foresight and bring fortune. It is considered to be energizing, cleansing, and provide courage. It has been highly prized as an engagement ring gem. Parting friends would often present garnets to each other as it was supposed to preserve friendship.

Healing use - It is, or has been, thought to help heal physical ailments by offering relief from pain caused by arthritis, skin disorders, muscle aches, gout, neuralgia (a chronic pain disorder), or rheumatism (inflammation of joints). It is said to provides protection against heart disease because it strengthens the heart muscle over time. Wearing garnet can lower the risk of liver disease because it has strong antioxidant properties that help to strengthen the organ over time. It also helps your heart, lungs, and blood. Other conditions it is thought to help with include: anxiety or depression, increase sexual desire, stimulate metabolism for effective weight loss. regenerate DNA, so it’s useful for treating genetic disorders. Additionally it is said to help you think more clearly, restore positive energy and dispel negative emotions , boost self-esteem , reduce inhibitions, encourage kindness, generosity, and nobility. It is a stone of protection and provides courage to face your fears, bring good luck, and help gain your spiritual goals If that weren't enough it can help you attract your true love as well as help you recall your past lives and learn from any mistakes made. In short, you could call it a miracle stone if these beliefs were true.

Alternatives - January major and alternative birthstones are Garnet, Onyx and Jasper. In addition to that Amethyst, the Aquarius birth gem, and Chalcedony, a Capricorn birthstone, can be considered. All January birthstones make up a choice of at least 4 gems. Onyx - guardian angel birthstone for January Jasper - January special apostle birth rock ( for apostle Simon Peter, aka St. Peter) Chalcedony - Capricorn birth gem Amethyst - Aquarius January birthstone