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January Birthstone – What is January Birthstone (Garnet)
January’s a special month. As the first month on the calendar, it heralds the beginning of a new year and the new opportunities that come with it. The possibilities are endless, and anything can happen within the next 11 months. Because of this, it’s no surprise that the birthstone associated with January is the ever-colorful and varied Garnet.
What is a Garnet?
“Garnet” isn’t just one type of stone, but rather a name that refers to a group of various minerals. Records have shown that the gem was used as early as the Bronze Age. Garnet is most commonly known for its deep red color, but there’s a lot more to it than just its redness.
In fact, one of the most exciting things about garnets is that they often come in colors other than Red. Garnets can range from Red to green and even pale, depending on how they were formed. The official term for red garnets is Pyrope Garnet, so if you are looking for its most iconic color, then ask for that at your local jewelry store.
If you’re more interested in the other colors that Garnet has to offer, then there are quite a few to choose from. For example, the Uvarovitic Garnet’s lush green is often mistaken as an emerald for its bright and saturated colors.
For a warmer variant, the orange hues of the Spessartine Garnet are perfect. And for those who prefer something in between, then the yellow Grossularite Garnet is a great choice. No matter what type of garnet you choose, though, they’re all the same birthstone that’s associated with the month of January.
Because of the versatility that garnet holds, you could potentially rock the same birthstone with just about any look. There won’t be a garnet that doesn’t match your style with various colors to choose from, so garnets can definitely be worth collecting.
What does Garnet Signify?
The garnet has an exciting history. Long ago, garnets were used as a method to warn users of any potential dangers. During possibly dangerous situations, it was believed that the garnet would turn pale in color.
Other cultures used garnets for different reasons as well. For example, Persia is known to have been used as more of a talisman. It was said to ward off unwanted natural forces such as heavy rains or storms. Tropical astrology also lists garnet as the birthstone of Aquarius.
Today, however, garnet signifies something more superficial, yet just as important – friendship. Whether that be the camaraderie between you and your best friends or the deep understanding between family members, garnet encapsulates that as a birthstone.
Other than friendship, the garnet is used to symbolize trust between others. As a gift, a garnet is a form of showing the recipient your confidence for one another and that you will continue to build on that friendship in the future.
Others also believe that garnet provides various physical and mental health benefits to the wearer, much like our ancestors did hundreds of years ago. One of the most popular uses of garnet is as a tool against depression. It is said that garnet can allow the user to let go of any negative emotions tying them down, which can free them from the shackles of depression and anxiety.
Another everyday use for garnet is to assist with business-related matters. Garnets are pretty to look at, and it is said that this can attract not only colleagues but potential clients and partners. This leads to both successes in one’s personal and professional life. Garnet also reinforces the wearer’s hustling mindset, making them perceive inconveniences as challenges that they can and will overcome in the future. It’s great for those who need to shake off any doubts or worries they may have with their professional careers.
ConclusionWith its diverse range of colors and powerful symbolism of friendship and trust, the garnet is the perfect birthstone for the month of January. Its various physical and mental benefits can bring positive results both at home and in the office, and it can also be a great gift to those who were born during the month.
