Encounter The World Of January Birth Stones

There are really just two January birthstones; Garnet and Rose Quartz. However, most individuals solely recognize Garnet on a large scale. The term Garnet is derived from Latin which means grain or seed; "granatus", and it was so called thanks to the beautiful deep red of the gem being so extremely close to that found in the seeds of pomegranates. However, with a Mohs scale hardness of 6. 5 to 7. 5; biting down a Garnet can not be quite the same sensation as you get from the fruit's seed!

However, many are surprised that Garnet can also be found in colours other than red; and some exquisite gems are out there in greens, oranges, pinks and violets. These changes in color are caused by the mineral content contained in the gem; these are rarer still than the already obscure red Garnet. There are a countless legends, traditions and folklore that surround the Garnet; crossing numerous cultures and eras. In Biblical legend for example, it's inferred that Noah hung a Garnet on his Ark, in order he might illuminate his journey throughout the storms.

Possibly due to this, and alternate stories in lore, the gift of a Garnet is typically given to hurry home safely a loved one, who is undertaking a journey. Because of its deep red color, it is additionally highly symbolic of affection and desire; and is usually given to January born loved ones by their mate. Records show that it has been mined for at least two and a half thousand years, though not invariably for its delicate nature; typically being employed as a tool such due to its hardness. Whilst traces of this mining were found in Sri Lanka, the Garnet is found in many places across the world including; Africa, India and the United States of America.

The other of the January Birth Stones is the attractive Rose Quartz that, as the name suggests, ranges from a fragile pale pink, to types which deepen up to the hue of a red rose. The colors of the gem are caused by trace amounts of titanium and iron, and in some specimens manganese.

Usually, the quality of Rose Quartz is believed by many to make inadequate gems, and certainly can be cloudy. However there are exceptional items found and they're usually carved into wonderful hearts; making for a nice gift for loved ones.
Despite not being widely popular, it is reputed to be one of the foremost powerful semi precious stones in the world. It's said to possess many healing powers, with the ability to help bring calm, and balance emotions at times of stress, anxiety and even guilt.

While Rose Quartz is found across the planet, from Asia to Europe and on to Northern America; it's mostly mined in Brazil these days. Brazil has also long been the producer of the finest examples, and, in the right setting, can build a wonderful alternative when searching for January birth stones.

By: JBrana

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John S. Brana's collections of distinctive January Birthstone Jewelry include beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces designed to set the wearer apart from the crowd. Whether classic or contemporary, each piece is unique, meticulously handcrafted, and made from top-quality gemstones in the United States.