Garnet
Thousands of years ago, necklaces of red garnet adorned the necks of Egypt’s pharohs and they were also often entombed with them as they were considered prized possessions for the afterlife. In ancient Rome, signet rings were made from garnet and used to stamp wax on important documents. In the middle ages, red garnet was favoured by nobility as it was considered a stone for aiding success in business. Garnet had a revival in the Victorian era, when the belief that they were thought to cure blood infections was popularised.
Although it is a common misconception, but not all garnets are red. In fact, the gemstone occurs in every colour except blue. Demantoid garnet – a green variety of garnet mined in Russia can have radiating bundles of ‘horsetail’ inclusions, which can increase the price dramatically.

Where are garnets mined?
Mined in Bohemia in 1500’s, today garnet is found in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Russia.

Properties
6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale.

Colour
All colours of the rainbow, except blue.

Birthstone and Anniversary Stone
Garnet is the birthstone of the month January and is traditionally given as a gift on the 2nd wedding anniversary.
