What is January’s Birthstone?

Do you celebrate a January birthday? If so, your birthstone is garnet. Garnet is the beautiful birthstone known as the gemstone of protection.

Red garnets are the most common, but did you know that garnets can also be yellow, orange, purple and even bright green? Symbolising good health and happiness, garnet protects those who wear it.

Here is everything you need to know about the birthstone for January:

Garnet - History, Meanings and Origins

Are you curious to discover the history of the garnet gemstone? You might be surprised to know that garnet originated during the Bronze Age.

Garnet has been adored through the ages and across the globe. In Ancient Rome, garnets featured as centrepieces in signet rings.

However, it was in Egypt that Garnet became particularly popular. Some believe that pharaohs wore garnet jewellery as a sign of wealth.

Did you know that garnet comes from the word granatum, meaning pomegranate in Latin? Just like a pomegranates seeds, garnets are often a vibrant red colour. Although, garnets are commonly red, they also come in a rainbow of colours:

What Colour is Garnet?

Most people think of the Garnet gemstone as a vibrant red colour. But if you look carefully, you will see a wide array of colours.

As well as dark red, Garnet can also be orange, deep purple, blue, yellow and even bright green. Red is most common for the birthstone of January and blue is the rarest.

Garnets come from a group which include a range of different minerals. Each minera

l can significantly impact the colour of the stone. Below are some of the minerals and their corresponding colours:

    • Almandine: Purple/orangish red
        • Andradite: yellow/greenish yellow/brown
         • Grossular: colourless/yellow/orange/green
         • Majorite: colourless/purple/yellowish brown
  • Spessartine: yellow/red
      • Uvarovite: green      

Where can Garnet Be Found?

Garnet can be sourced in many countries across the globe. During Victorian times, garnet was mainly sourced from Bohemia. In the 19^th century, Russia became a major producer of green garnets which were popular at the time.

Nowadays, the birthstone for January can be found in Africa, Brazil, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

How much is Garnet Worth?

The price of garnet depends on the size, colour and clarity of the stones. At Lily Blanche, we use genuine garnet stones, ethically sourced at a competitive price.

What is the Zodiac Sign for January?

Those born in January are lucky to have either Aquarius or Capricorn as their zodiac sign.

Those born between December 22 – January 19 are Capricorns and those born between January 20 – February 18 are Aquarius. Your birthstone is garnet, the gemstone for protection. 

What are the Healing Properties of Garnet?

Many believe that Garnet has healing properties. Garnet is believed to boost energy and increase confidence. It is said that it is best to wear garnet close to the heart. 

Garnet - Special Properties and Meanings

Did you know that the birthstone for January has special properties and meanings? Traditionally, garnet was believed to cure diseases and reduce anger. This led many to believe that Garnet is the stone for protection.

Nowadays, some believe that garnet promotes self-confidence and encourages creativity.

Those lucky to celebrate a January birthday will also be pleased to know that it brings good health, happiness and wealth.

How to Clean Garnet – Top Tips:

• Use a soft polish cloth to look after your garnet jewellery
• Avoid steam cleaners, chemicals and water
• Store in soft anti-tarnish pouch to keep your garnet shining

Garnet Key Facts:

• Birthstone for January

• Stone for protection

• Gemstone for Aquarius/Capricorn Zodiac Signs

• Meaning: Health and Happiness

January - Find Your Birthstone

Whether or not you celebrate your birthday in January, Garnet is a beautiful gemstone which is often worn in rings and earrings. Garnet jewellery makes the perfect gift for a loved one or treat to yourself!