Garnet
When you think of garnet, do you envision a deep red gemstone? Red is the garnet color most often found in January birthstone jewelry, but it isn't the only color of garnet that nature produces. Garnets can also be green, orange, purple, pink, yellow, brown, clear and black.The word garnet is derived to the Latin word for pomegranate, granatum, because the red gemstones resemble the seeds of that fruit. The gemstones have been worn by many cultures since ancient times.
Garnets are found all over the world and their appearance varies from translucent to transparent. They range from about 6.5 to 7.5 in hardness on the Mohs Scale, depending on the variety (versus 10 for diamond).
Jewelry stores should always disclose if its garnets were created in a laboratory or treated to enhance appearance.
Popular Garnets
Almandine garnets are red-purple, but can have orange tones.Tsavorite garnets are green.
Hessonite garnets are typically yellow, orange or red.
Rhodolite garnets are purple-red and can be pink.
Pyrope garnets are dark red.
