Garnet, Top-Polished

Birthstone for January

The garnet group is a large family of minerals, usually found in metamorphic rocks. Garnets are generally found as well developed crystals in a cubic crystal form. The 15 garnet species all have a common formula of A₃B₂(SiO₄)₃, where A can be calcium, iron, magnesium, or manganese and B can be aluminum, iron, chromium, manganese, silicon, titanium, zirconium, or vanadium. Metaphysically, garnets are used for passion and energy. Fine specimens of garnets can be found in Brazil, China, USA, and India.