Red Garnet is the best substitute for Ruby for harnessing the energy and powers of the Sun.

• Red Garnet is the birthstone for people born in the month of January.
• Indian astrology recommends Red Garnet for Sinh (Leo) Rashi.
• Western astrology assigns Red Garnet birthstone for Capricorns.
• Ascendants of all zodiac signs can wear Red Garnet since it has no negative effects.

Since ancient times, Red Garnet has been associated with the heart and the blood. It is an excellent gemstone for regulating the blood circulatory system, strengthening the heart and boosting immunity. It is associated with the base, sacral, and heart chakras and is capable of clearing and realigning all these chakras.

Wearing Red Garnet can also bring the wearer fame, fortune and riches. The stone eliminates negative energies and gives a boost of confidence to the wearer. It drastically improves the personality as well and enhances leadership qualities. It is highly beneficial for businessmen, doctors and politicians.

Red Garnet has a strong stimulating effect. It has the power to cure diseases related to spine, lungs and digestion. It also helps in improving the sex drive, potency, vigour and reproductive health of its wearer. It is used by both, men and women, to enhance the conjugal relationship.

The quality and value of any stone is evaluated on certain parameters.

Origin - Red garnets are found all over the world, with deposits on almost each continent. Red Garnets are abundantly mined in Brazil, India and Africa. Red Garnets from Orissa, India are very popular, however they lack in quality. African Garnets are fairly better. Currently, Africa is on.e of the largest supplier of fine-quality red garnets.

Colour - Red Garnet is primarily red in colour and the shades range from deep translucent red to very deep, almost blackish-red. Red Garnets can also have hints of orange, pink grey and brown. Pyrope Garnet is the most popular of the red varieties as it has the desired rich red pomegranate colour. Almandine is another species of red garnet that comes in shades ranging from range in colour from dark red to black. For astrological purposes, one should go for deep pure red tones.

Clarity - Pyrope Garnet comes inclusion-free while Almandine Garnets are usually opaque. Eye clean Red Garnet is preferred for astrological purposes. Eye clean refers to gemstones that have minimum, small-sized, cornered or light-colored inclusions which makes it difficult to see the inclusion with the naked eye. As a matter of fact, natural gemstones have inclusions. Only synthetic gemstones are 100% inclusion-free.

Cut - These stones are most preferred in oval-mixed shapes as the colour and lustre come out beautifully. Other fancy shapes like marquise, trillion or round shapes are also available but they are not as popular.