Almandine garnet, also known as almandite, has quite a lengthy history, tracing its beginnings as an adornment to ancient Egypt. There, artisans fashioned the deep red gem into beads and jewelry inlay. Also prized by the Romans, garnet's name is actually derived from the ancient Greek word "granatum" meaning seeds because the crystals are similar in appearance to pomegranate arils. This ancient gem is still very popular and is currently mined in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and the United States. Almandine is available in a range of dark red hues from rich red to deep wine to a warm rusty red. For those preferring a phenomenal gem, there are star garnets, which are almandine garnets exhibiting a four-ray star. Garnet, of all types, is the birthstone for January and is designated for the 2nd wedding anniversary.