Garnet
A name for a group of minerals that have the same atomic (crystal) structure but different chemical compositions. Traditionally considered to be red, garnets can also be green, yellow, orange, brown, pink or purple. It is the birthstone for January.
The Latin name for Garnet is "malum granatum" which refers to red (pomegranate) seeds. The name can be applied to multiple similar species including, but not limited to, almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, andradite, demantoid, and uvarovite. Many garnets are actually a combination of these minerals. In general, garnets are not enhanced. With the exception of rhodolite which can be found in larger sizes, gems above 5 carats in size are rare and anything over 20 carats is extremely rare. Purity of color, clarity and size are the most important considerations in Garnets.
