Garnets – the “stone of constancy”
Garnet have been used as a gemstone for over 5000 years. It has been found in the jewelry of many Egyptian burials and was the most popular gemstone of Ancient Rome. It is a beautiful gem that is usually sold without treatment of any kind. It is also durable and common enough that it can be used in jewelry at a relatively low cost.
Garnet continues as a popular gemstone today. It serves as a birthstone for the month of January and is a traditional gem given on a second anniversary. Most people will think of a red gemstone when they hear the name “garnet” because they are not aware that garnet occurs in a variety of colors. However, gem-quality garnets occur in every color – with red being the most common and blue garnets being especially rare.
According to “The Book of Stones”, in Bohemia, there was a major stone-cutting and jewelry-making industry centered around the native Red Garnets, which began in the early 1500’s and still exists today.
They believe all types of Garnets carry the energy of prosperity and the enjoyment of worldly pleasures.
Found in the furthest north eastern corner in Red Creek Canyon of Utah. Garnets average 1+ inches and occasionally one of 2+ inches rises in the road cuts near the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. These are Pyrope Garnets, composed of Iron and Chromium and reflect the red colors of the area.
Others can be found in the Mineral Mountains between Beaver and Milford, Utah, just 30 minutes north of here. These are Spessartine (Orange to Orange Red) and Andradite (the green variety of Garnets that range from pale green to dark yellow). Both are Gem Quality and can be faceted and cabbed. If
Traditionally, Garnets have been used for engagement rings due to their loving energy.
If you celebrate a birthday in January a ring of red garnet should fit you nicely.
Not a January child? Visit our Sign-up page and we’ll send you your birthstone.