Birthstone Month:
Garnet is the gemstone for the month of January.

Zodiac:
Garnet is associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius.

Chemical Symbol:
A3B2(SiO4)3

Chemical Make-up:
The chenical elements in garnet include Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminuim, Iron, Chromium, Manganese and Titanium.

History & Lore:
The name Garnet comes from the Latin word granatium which means “pomegranate”. Many believe that Garnet was likened to the the pomegranate because its coloration is similar to that of the seeds of the fruit.

It is believed that Noah used a huge Garnet to illuminate the night to help steer his ark to safety. Garnets have also been used by many explorers and travellers as it is believed to protect the wearer when journeying far from home.
Garnets have also been set in shields, armor, and buckles by crusaders for it is believed that it gives protection from wounds stops bleeding. Many native tribes from North, Central, and South America wore Garnets to ward off evil influences and spirits.

The Hunzas used Garnet bullets to fend off the British troops during their quarrel of 1982, believing that it was stronger and more deadly then lead.

Availability:
Due to an amazing string of discoveries throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Garnet has become a widely available gemstone.

Sources:
There are known Garnet deposits in Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, India, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Russia, Scotland, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia).

Evaluation:
Garnet is rated at 6.5-7.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, making it durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear. The Garnet is a popular gemstone choice the world over because it is a natural, untreated gemstone that is generally affordable. Whilst the red colors are generally priced so as to be accessible to all, some green varieties of Garnet can fetch thousands of dollars per carat.

Garnet is most commonly found in shades of red, but can actually be found in every color of the spectrum, except pure blue. Because Garnet is such a diversified gemstone family and in plentiful supply, the Garnet can easily adapt to any new fashion or color trend and can complement everyone's personal style.

Common Cuts:
Garnet is usually cut into the shape / cut that will show the least amount of color darkness. The shapes most effective for doing this are Cabochons, Cushion, Oval and Round.

Routine Enhancements:
There are no known treatments for Garnet.

Care & Cleaning:
A Garnet can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. An ultrasonic cleaner is safe for most Garnets but not for all, so should be used with caution. Garnet should be kept away from chemicals that will cause it to erode such as hydrofluoric acid. Garnet should also be kept away from drastic temperature changes as this may cause fracturing.