Garnet: The Gem of Faith
September 25th, 2006 by MaryBeth
This richly colored gemstone is known as a symbol of faith, consistency and truth. Mostly appearing in deep shades of red, the garnet actually displays the widest range of colors of all gemstones. Garnets can be found in every color of the spectrum except blue. The January birthstone takes its name from the Latin word for grain and is actually a family of gems rather than one specific gemstone.
Garnet in History
Jewelry featuring the garnet has been found dating back to 3000 BC, through the ruins of Ancient Greece and Egypt where garnets were used as talismans. Also, this gemstone was included in tombs of Ancient Egypt - meant to light the passage to the afterlife.
In Biblical history, Noah is depicted using a garnet to illuminate the way of the ark. The garnet is also one of twelve stones to adorn the Breastplate of Aaron, made by Moses for his brother. In the middle ages, the garnet was believed to hold medicinal value. The gemstone was said to offer protection from poisons and cures for other illness, especially those dealing with blood and infection.
Origins
Garnets today originate from African countries but are also mined in India, Russia, Central and South America. Usually cut into classic shapes, fancy cuts are becoming more common. Some members of the garnet family are exclusive to one part of the world. Many types, old and new, come from Africa.
The green Tsavorite garnet, named by Tiffany’s in New York, is found in Kenya and East Africa and imported by the United States.
Read These Related Articles:
WordPress database error: [Table 'pugsterwordpress.wp_comments' doesn't exist]
SELECT * FROM wp_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '46' AND comment_approved = '1' ORDER BY comment_date