Gardier – Garnet and White Topaz

Garnet is a group of closely related minerals that share the same crystal structure but differ in chemistry. Garnets come in almost every colour, from deep purplish reds to oranges and greens.

Birthstone

January

Hardness

6.5–7.5 (Mohs)

Everyday wear

Garnet has fair to good toughness and is durable enough for jewellery, but it should be kept away from hard knocks and rough wear.

Care

Warm, soapy water is always safe; ultrasonic cleaning is usually fine unless the stone has fractures, and steam cleaning is not recommended.

Meaning and tradition

Garnet's name is linked to the deep red of the pomegranate, and in Indian astrology it is associated with self-confidence and mental clarity; in medieval times it was thought to calm an angry heart. Rhodolite is associated in modern crystal lore with warmth, affection, love and self-confidence.

Topaz has an exceptionally wide colour range, including colourless, blue, brown, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Colourless topaz is plentiful and is often treated to turn it blue.

Birthstone

November

Hardness

8 (Mohs)

Everyday wear

Topaz is hard but has a cleavage direction that can split with a hard knock, so protective settings help, and it is well suited to pendants and earrings.

Care

Clean with warm water and mild soap; avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners, high heat and sudden temperature changes. Coated topaz should never be cleaned with abrasives or on a buffing wheel.

Meaning and tradition

In folklore, the ancient Greeks believed topaz gave them strength, and in Renaissance Europe it was thought to break magic spells and dispel anger. In Indian tradition, wearing it above the heart was said to bring beauty and intelligence.