Garnet

#7 to #7.5 on Mohs scale, fair to good toughness. Sources are Brazil, India, Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United States. Almandine is probably one of the most familiar of the closely related species that make up the garnet group. It’s a fairly common red garnet, with a color range from orange-red through red to reddish-purple. …

January Almandine/Garnet February Amethyst/Quartz March Aquamarine/Beryl April Diamond May Emerald/Beryl June Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone July Ruby/Corundum August Spinel, Peridot, Sardonyx September Sapphire/Corundum October Opal, Tourmaline, Rose zircon November Topaz, Citrine December Turquoise, Blue zircon, and Tanzanite