January Birthstone - Garnet

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Garnet fact file

Crystal Structure: isometric,dodecahedral
Chemical Composition: silicate mixtures of magnesium, iron, and aluminum
Hardness: 6 ½ to 7 ½ MOHS

Refractive Index: 1.7 to 1.8
Colors: Every color but Blue

Garnets ( Rhodolite ) are the January birthstones.Garnets were known as carbuncles in the old ages.

The popular perception of garnets is of red globules and crystals, much like pomegranate seeds. However, garnets come in a variety of colors including orange, golden, cinnamon, green, yellow - except blue.

Name

The name comes from the Latin granatum, which means seedlike, as the red variety resembles pomegranate seeds.

Related Pages:

Garnet Properties
Know more about the physical and chemical properties of Garnet such as composition, color etc.
Garnet History and Geography
Some interesting facts about garnet such as where it is found, stories from history and mythology, and its healing properties.
Buying and Caring for Garnet Jewelry
Tips for Buying Garnet Jewelry and taking care of Garnet Jewelry