Garnet
From Giftypedia
Garnet is January's birthstone and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.
[edit] Colors
Garnet is often a red gem, though the garnet family of gemstones comes in a broad spectrum of colors, except blue.
[edit] What's in a Name
The word garnet was derived from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "grain" or "seed." If you've ever seen what a pomegranate seed looks like it's a lot like a garnet.
A Greek myth tells the story of Peresphone, the young goddess of sunshine, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. The devil eventually released her, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which guaranteed her return to him. Thus, garnets have come to represent fidelity and commitment.
[edit] Moh's Scale
A garnet is strong. It has a Moh's scale hardness 6.5 to 7.5. Not as hard as a diamond but not something easily destroyed.
[edit] Legends and Powers
Legends, myths, and traditions abound when it comes to garnets. It is believed to be one of the 12 gemstones in Aaron's breastplate in the Hebrew tradition while Christians consider it is symbolic of Christ's sacrifice and the blood of their savior. Many faiths claim that Noah hung a large red garnet in the ark for illumination. In the Koran, garnets are believed to illuminate the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems. On a more earthly plane, Egyptians believed that garnets protected them from snakebite and was an antidote to food poisoning.
Archaeologists have found primitive garnet jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers which dates the use of this popular gemstone to the Bronze age.
Garnet powers are to facilitate night vision and ensures success.
[edit] Symbols
A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. It is January's birthstone, but far from being only a winter gem, the garnet, with its brilliance and multitude of colors, is truly one for any season.
