January Birthstone : Garnet

The name “garnet” is derived from the Latin “granatum” meaning “pomegranate” because the crystals resemble the pomegranate’s red, round edible seeds.
Garnet exists in all kinds of colors such as black as well as many shades of red and green.

It can even be colorless. The garnet’s variety of colors comes from metals such as manganese, iron, calcium, and aluminum. Some varieties even contain mineral fibers that produce the illusion of a four- or six-rayed star within the stone. Green garnets are most highly prized but are very rare.

Legend says garnets light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Garnets have long been carried by travelers to protect against accidents far from home.