Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since ancient times as gemstones and abrasives. There are many different colours of garnet, including orange, yellow, green, purple and even colourless, but the most common and well-known colour of garnet is deep red, which is why it is often associated with the colour of a January birthstone.
Garnets are also known for their durability and toughness, making them a great choice for everyday wear. They are rated a 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which means they are suitable for use in rings, bracelets, and other jewellery that is subject to daily wear and tear.
The refractive index of garnet is typically between 1.7 and 1.9, which means that it bends light as it passes through. This property is what gives garnet its characteristic brilliance and fire as a gemstone.
Garnets have been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, including as gems, abrasives, and even as a traditional medicine. Symbolically, garnet is said to be a symbol of truth, faith, and love. It has been believed to be a stone of protection and is said to bring the wearer good health, wealth, and happiness. It was also used in the middle ages as a protective talisman when travellers embark on a journey.
Red garnets are typically the most valuable, but there are other coloured varieties that are also highly sought after. For example, green garnets, known as "demantoid" garnets, can be more valuable than diamonds of the same size and quality.
