Garnet

'The Stone of Faith and Constancy' & 'The Stone of Passion and Protection'

Its name comes from the Latin word 'granatum', meaning 'pomegranate', inspired by the resemblance of deep-red garnet crystals to the fruit’s glistening seeds. Although best known for its rich red colour, garnet belongs to a diverse family of gemstones. Its colours include burgundy, orange, golden yellow, vibrant green, pink, purple, brown and nearly black. Rare garnets may also change colour under different lighting. Popular varieties include deep-red Almandine, violet-red Rhodolite, orange Spessartine, golden Hessonite and brilliant green Tsavorite and Demantoid. 

Garnet gemstones can have inclusions, but their visibility depends heavily on the specific type of garnet. Common inclusions include fine lines, elongated mineral fibers, rutile needles, trapped mineral crystals, liquid or gas pockets, horsetail inclusions, and irregular growth patterns formed as the gemstone grew deep in the Earth.

Mineral: Garnet group – closely related silicate minerals
Mohs Scale of Hardness: 6.5 – 7.5

Birthstone: January