The birthstone Garnet

Garnet is January's birthstone on every official list, and it is far more than the dark red stone most people picture. It is a whole family of gems, running from wine red and raspberry to vivid orange and a green that rivals emerald. Here is everything worth knowing, from its history and meaning to how to choose one as a gift.

Birthstone
Garnet
Mystical stone
Emerald
Zodiac
Capricorn, Aquarius
Anniversary
2nd year
Hardness
6.5 to 7.5 Mohs
Symbolism
Love, friendship, passion
Shop garnetFind a gift

The stones of January

Birthstone lists come from several traditions. For January they agree more than for almost any other month: garnet appears on nearly all of them. Choose a tradition to see what it assigns.

Garnet

The official list most American jewelers follow. It was first standardized in 1912 in Kansas City and has only ever named garnet for January.

Official January birthstone

Garnet

The older list, usually traced to Poland and Germany between the 1500s and 1700s, when people began wearing a single stone for their birth month all year long. January was already garnet.

Official January birthstone

Garnet

The National Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain published its own list in 1937. It also gives January to garnet, with no alternative.

Official January birthstone

Emerald

The mystical birthstones are often said to come from ancient Tibetan tradition. It is the one list that breaks from garnet and gives January to emerald.

Mystical birthstone

Garnet

The Ayurvedic list, from Indian tradition, also names garnet for January. In Indian astrology garnet is linked with confidence and clearing negative emotions.

Official January birthstone

Rose quartz and onyx

Not on any official list, but some jewelers and crystal sellers offer rose quartz and onyx as softer or more affordable January alternatives.

Unofficial alternatives

Meet garnet: one name, a whole family

Sapphire and diamond are each a single mineral. Garnet is a group of closely related minerals, and each one brings its own color. That is why a January birthday can mean deep red, raspberry pink, bright orange or vivid green. Tap a seed to see each one.

Almandine: The deep, slightly brownish red behind most traditional garnet jewelry. Widely available, often in larger sizes.
Pyrope: A purer, brighter red than almandine. Pyrope from Bohemia filled Victorian jewelry boxes.
Rhodolite: A lively purplish red that stays bright even in low light. A favorite for anyone who finds classic garnet too dark.
Spessartine: One of the brightest orange gems in nature. The famous mandarin garnets from Namibia caused a stir in the early 1990s.
Tsavorite: A vivid green garnet that rivals fine emerald, usually cleaner and untreated. Rare above a few carats.
Demantoid: The rarest garnet, with dispersion that can beat diamond's. Fine Russian stones hold wispy horsetail inclusions, a natural fingerprint.
Color-change: Shifts color with the light source, much like alexandrite. The strength of the change varies a lot from stone to stone.

Illustrations, not photographs. Real stones vary with lighting and tone. Go deeper in our complete garnet guide

Tough enough for every day

Garnet sits at 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and has no cleavage, so it will not split along a flat plane the way topaz can. That makes it a practical choice for rings worn every day.

Five thousand years of garnet

Scroll through garnet's long run as one of the most worn gems in history.

  1. Bronze Age

    The first garnet jewelry

    Garnet has been used as a gem, and as an abrasive, since the Bronze Age.

  2. Ancient Egypt

    Necklaces for pharaohs

    Red garnet necklaces adorned the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.

  3. Ancient Rome

    Signet rings

    Romans carved garnet intaglios into signet rings, pressed into hot wax to seal documents.

  4. Early 600s

    The Sutton Hoo treasure

    More than 4,000 garnets decorate the gold of the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo in England. Recent analysis traced them to India, Sri Lanka and what is now the Czech Republic.

  5. Middle Ages

    Worn by clergy and nobles

    Red garnet was a favorite of churchmen and aristocrats across medieval Europe.

  6. 1500s to 1800s

    Bohemian garnet

    Mines in Bohemia supplied bright red pyrope to all of Europe. It became the signature gem of Victorian jewelry, set in dense clusters that sparkle like pomegranate seeds.

  7. Mid-1800s

    Demantoid in the Urals

    Green demantoid garnet was found in Russia's Ural Mountains and soon appeared in Fabergé jewels for the Russian court.

  8. 1912

    January's official birthstone

    Jewelers meeting in Kansas City published the first standardized American birthstone list, naming garnet for January.

  9. 1967

    Tsavorite is discovered

    Geologist Campbell Bridges found green grossular garnet in Tanzania, then in Kenya in 1970. Tiffany & Co. introduced it to the public as tsavorite in 1974.

  10. Early 1990s

    Mandarin garnet

    A find of vivid orange spessartine in northern Namibia brought the mandarin garnet to the world.

Meaning, lore and legend

Garnet has collected more stories than almost any gem. Tap a card to turn it over. These are traditional beliefs, shared for their history, not as claims.

Capricorn

December 22 to January 19

Early January birthdays fall under Capricorn. Garnet's deep, steady red suits the sign's grounded, ambitious reputation.

Aquarius

January 20 to February 18

Late January birthdays are Aquarius. The unexpected side of garnet, like green tsavorite or color-change stones, fits the sign's independent streak.

2nd anniversary

The garnet year

Garnet is the traditional gem for a second wedding anniversary, a nod to its long association with love and loyalty.

Garnets in our own backyard

You don't have to go to Africa to find garnet. Across the state from us, near Ely, Nevada, the Bureau of Land Management's Garnet Hill is one of the few places anyone can hunt for their own. Small, deep red garnets form in pockets in volcanic rhyolite, and collecting is free.

Most of what turns up there is too small or included to cut, but it is a great January adventure. When you're ready for a garnet that is set and ready to wear, we're right here in Incline Village.

Where
Garnet Hill, near Ely, NV
What you'll find
Deep red garnet crystals in rhyolite
Cost
Free, managed by the BLM
Elevation
About 7,000 feet, bring water
RenoForever RoxIncline VillageGarnet Hillnear Ely
Garnet Hill is a free BLM recreation site about five and a half hours east of Lake Tahoe on U.S. 50.

Find the right garnet gift

Three quick questions, and we'll suggest a garnet and a piece to look for.

1 of 3Who is it for?
2 of 3Which color do they love?
3 of 3What's their style?

Pick a color to see our suggestion.

Garnet jewelry at Forever Rox

Every garnet in our case is chosen for strong color and how it performs in natural Tahoe light, from classic reds to rare tsavorite. Pieces sell quickly, so call if you're after something specific.

Cushion Cut Tsavorite & Diamond Crossover Ring - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Cushion Cut Tsavorite & Diamond Crossover Ring$3,900.00
Scatter Sapphire & Tsavorite Disc Pendant - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Scatter Sapphire & Tsavorite Disc Pendant$1,950.00
Bezel Set Cushion Cut Purple Garnet Studs - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Bezel Set Cushion Cut Purple Garnet Studs$1,150.00
A Platinum Bracelet with square step cut natural Tsavorite Garnets at Forever Rox Fine Jewelry, Lake Tahoes Best Jewelry Store
Vintage Square Step Cut Tsavorite Garnet Tennis Bracelet$19,950.00
Solitaire Bezel Set Emerald Cut Tsavorite Pendant - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Solitaire Bezel Set Emerald Cut Tsavorite Pendant$1,470.00
Oval Cut Tsavorite & Diamond Dangle Earrings - Forever Rox
Oval Cut Tsavorite & Diamond Dangle Earrings$5,600.00
Garnet & Diamond Ring - Forever Rox
Garnet & Diamond Ring$2,000.00
Rhodolite Garnet & Diamond Pendant - Forever Rox
Rhodolite Garnet & Diamond Pendant$1,200.00
Heart Shape Garnet Ring with Diamonds - Forever Rox
Heart Shape Garnet Ring with Diamonds$700.00
Multi Color Pink Semi Precious Stone Pendant - Forever Rox
Multi Color Pink Semi Precious Stone Pendant$1,600.00
Amethyst, Rhodolite Garnet & Chocolate Diamond Ring - Forever Rox
Amethyst, Rhodolite Garnet & Chocolate Diamond Ring$2,800.00
Pear Cut Rhodolite Garnet Crossover Ring - Forever Rox
Pear Cut Rhodolite Garnet Crossover Ring$2,000.00

The other January stones

Garnet is the official choice, but these three have their own January stories.

January's mystical birthstone

Emerald

Under the mystical birthstone tradition, January belongs to emerald, the same green beryl that is May's modern birthstone. Its color comes from chromium and vanadium, and nearly every emerald has natural inclusions, often called its jardin, or garden.

Mineral
Beryl
Hardness
7.5 to 8 Mohs
Treatment
Oiling is standard and accepted
Key origins
Colombia, Zambia, Brazil
Read the complete emerald guide

Emerald jewelry at Forever Rox Shop all

Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Bracelet - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Bracelet$8,200.00
Oval Cut Emerald & Channel Set DIamond Halo Dangles - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Oval Cut Emerald & Channel Set DIamond Halo Dangles$2,700.00
Antique Round Cut Diamond Ring with Baguette Cut Emerald Halo - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Antique Round Cut Diamond Ring with Baguette Cut Emerald Halo$4,800.00
Precioius Stone Horseshoe Pendants - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Precious Stone Horseshoe PendantsFrom $900.00
9.30ct Cushion Cut Emerald & Diamond Paperclip Necklace - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
9.30ct Cushion Cut Emerald & Diamond Paperclip Necklace$14,800.00
Emerald Cut Emeralds & Diamonds Bracelet - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Emerald Cut Emeralds & Diamonds Bracelet$60,000.00
Natural Emerald & Diamond Tennis Bracelet - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Natural Emerald & Diamond Tennis Bracelet$53,000.00
Natural Emerald & Diamond Vintage Style Bracelet - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Natural Emerald & Diamond Vintage Style Bracelet$52,500.00
Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Studs - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Studs$2,750.00
Alternating Round Cut Emerald & Diamond Tenis Bracelet - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Alternating Round Cut Emerald & Diamond Tenis Bracelet$4,500.00
Emerald Cut Certified F1 Emerald & Emerald Cut Diamond Ring - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Emerald Cut GIA Certified F1 Emerald & Emerald Cut Diamond Ring$76,800.00
Long Marquise Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring - Forever Rox Fine Jewelry
Long Marquise Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring$40,200.00
A popular unofficial alternative

Rose quartz

Soft pink rose quartz is often suggested as a gentle January alternative. It is usually hazy rather than crystal clear, so it is cut into cabochons and beads more than faceted stones. Its color can fade with long exposure to strong sunlight.

Mineral
Quartz
Hardness
7 Mohs
Treatment
Usually untreated
Key origins
Brazil, Madagascar

Rose quartz jewelry

No rose quartz pieces in stock right now

Looking for rose quartz? Call us and we'll source one for you, or design something custom.

Call (775) 831-4544Custom design
A popular unofficial alternative

Onyx

Onyx is banded chalcedony, a form of quartz. The glossy black onyx seen in jewelry is almost always dyed, a stable, long-accepted practice. It suits bold, graphic designs and pairs well with garnet red.

Mineral
Chalcedony (quartz)
Hardness
6.5 to 7 Mohs
Treatment
Black onyx is usually dyed
Key origins
Brazil, India, Uruguay

Onyx jewelry

No onyx pieces in stock right now

Looking for onyx? Call us and we'll source one for you, or design something custom.

Call (775) 831-4544Custom design

Caring for garnet

Garnet is low maintenance. A few habits keep it bright for decades.

  • Clean gently

    Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then rinse and pat dry.

  • Wear it every day

    With no cleavage and good toughness, garnet is well suited to rings.

  • Store pieces apart

    Garnet can scratch softer gems and metal, so keep it in its own pouch.

  • Skip ultrasonic on included stones

    Steam and ultrasonic cleaners can stress stones with fractures or fillings.

  • Avoid sudden temperature swings

    Going from hot to cold quickly can stress inclusions inside the stone.

  • Don't rough-clean demantoid

    Demantoid is the softest common garnet. Clean it by hand only.

Bring your garnet in any time for a free cleaning and check-up. Call (775) 831-4544

January birthstone questions

What is the birthstone for January?

Garnet is the birthstone for January on the modern, traditional, British and Ayurvedic lists. The mystical birthstone tradition gives January to emerald instead.

Does January have more than one birthstone?

Officially, no. Garnet is January's only stone on the modern American and British lists. Emerald is the mystical January birthstone, and rose quartz and onyx are sometimes offered as unofficial alternatives.

Is garnet always red?

No. Garnet comes in red, raspberry, orange, green and even color-change varieties. Green tsavorite and demantoid are among the most valuable.

What does garnet symbolize?

Garnet symbolizes love, friendship and passion. Historically it was also carried as a traveler's talisman for protection.

Which zodiac signs go with garnet?

Garnet is associated with Capricorn and Aquarius, the two signs that share January.

Which anniversary is garnet for?

Garnet is the traditional gemstone for the second wedding anniversary.

Is garnet durable enough for an everyday ring?

Yes. At 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage, most garnet holds up well to daily wear. Demantoid is a little softer and deserves more care.

Can Forever Rox find a specific garnet for me?

Yes. If you're looking for a particular variety, color or size, call us at (775) 831-4544 and we'll source it or design a custom piece around it.

Find any birthstone

Enter a birthday to see its birthstone and zodiac sign, or browse the whole year below.

Want the full gemology? Read our complete garnet guide in the Gemstone Encyclopedia.

Choose your garnet in person

See garnet's full color range side by side in our Incline Village showroom, or let us design a January birthstone piece from scratch.

Call (775) 831-4544Design a custom piece
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