Meaning, Significance and Symbology:    
Garnet has been the official birthstone for the month of January since 1912, as well as the Zodiac sign Aquarius. The gem is often considered to be the traditional gift to present your partner with on the 2nd or 6th Wedding Anniversary. Occuring in almost every colour from traditional reds to, oranges, greens and purples – blue is considered to be the rarest colour in which a garnet can be discovered.   

 

Source:    
Garnet is found all over the world, with different types naturally occurring in different locations. Depending on the type you’re searching for, Garnet can be found in the U.S. (Arizona) and other places from South Africa, Argentina and Australia to Switzerland, Scotland and Tanzania.   

 

Interesting Facts about Garnet:

Garnets range from a 7.0 to a 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

The gemstones are formed under high temperatures and pressures, as a result geologists often use garnets as a gauge of the amount of temperature and pressure that was present during their formation.

The origin of the name ‘Garnet’ is derived from the Greek word ‘granatum’ meaning ‘pomegranate seed’ which reflects the colour of the crystals.

The symbolism associated with garnets is purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship. In earlier times, Garnets were often exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure they meet again.

   

Garnet’s powers include healing, strength and protection. It was often used to relieve inflammations of the skin, cure depression and regulate the heart and blood flow.

A Few Famous January ‘Garnet’ Birthdays:     

5th: Brandley Cooper

9th: Kate Middleton

12th: Zayn Malik

13th: Orlando Bloom

17th: Jim Carrey

19th: Dolly Parton

29th: Oprah Winfrey

31st: Justin Timberlake