January birthstone

Garnet: the January birthstone

Garnet symbolizes protection, friendship, trust and safe travels. Its color, history, care, value and where it comes from.

Birth month: January
Hardness: 6.5–7.5 Mohs
Anniversary: 2nd
Sources: India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, East Africa, the Czech Republic (Bohemian garnet) and the US

Color

Deep red is classic, but garnets also come in orange (spessartite), green (tsavorite and demantoid) and color-change varieties.

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History & lore

Garnet comes from the Latin granatum, "pomegranate," because small red garnets look like pomegranate seeds. Egyptian pharaohs were buried with garnet necklaces, Roman nobles sealed documents with carved garnet rings, and travelers carried garnets to protect themselves on the road. Bohemian garnet jewelry was a 19th-century European craze.

Care

Durable enough for daily rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Value

Red garnet is one of the most affordable birthstones, often $20–$100 for a good-sized stone. Tsavorite and demantoid can cost far more.

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Questions, answered

What month is garnet the birthstone for?

Garnet is the January birthstone.

What does garnet symbolize?

Garnet symbolizes protection, friendship, trust and safe travels.

How hard is garnet?

Garnet is 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale. Durable enough for daily rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Where is garnet found?

India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, East Africa, the Czech Republic (Bohemian garnet) and the US.