January Birthstone: A Guide to Garnet and Its Meaning

While January’s birthstone is best known for its captivating red varieties, garnet is actually a group of closely related minerals with a wide range of colors. So, when buying gemstones, you may be surprised to come across garnets ranging from fiery red to vibrant greens. 

Here are several different types of garnet: 

• Almandine: The most common January birthstone color, with a deep red to reddish brown color 
• Pyrope: Often mixed with almandine, a classic “ruby” red color 
• Rhodolite: Burgundy to purplish, a popular mixture of almandine and pyrope
• Tsavorite: Emerald green color; rare and valuable
• Grossular: Comes in many light colors, including yellow, light green and colorless 
• Andradite: Most prized for its luster and dispersion; comes in many colors
• Demantoid: A vivid green and brilliant variety of andradite; one of the most valuable varieties
• Uvarovite: Bright green and rare; not often found in jewelry because it’s found in the form of small crystals
• Spessartite: Orange to reddish brown color; when mixed with other varieties, can also be called “mandarin garnet”

A garnet usually forms as a blend of two or more of these species, with one dominant type guiding the stone’s classification. It’s extremely uncommon to find a garnet of a 100% pure species. 

As for durability, garnet ranks between 6.5 and 7.5 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it fairly resistant to scratches and therefore a good choice for daily wear.

Note: Unlike many gemstones that are heat or radiation-treated to enhance their color, garnet’s rich hues occur naturally.

The International Gem Society traces garnet as a symbol of protection throughout history. The Crusaders wore garnets as protection from harm during battles. Royalty, like Queen Victoria, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Russian Czarinas, also donned garnets for protection. 

Thanks to its most commonly known red variety, garnet also symbolizes blood, the heart, and vitality.  

Because the name for garnet comes from pomegranates, garnets are also associated with the Greek myth of Persephone. In the story, the goddess of spring eats pomegranate seeds, which bind her to the underworld.

Garnets have been used since at least 3,000 BC, when the ancient Egyptians adorned their pharaohs with garnet jewelry in their tombs. From around 27 BC onward, the ancient Romans used intricately carved garnets for signet rings, which they used to seal important documents. 

Legends suggest that garnets were used to illuminate Noah’s ark from the Bible. By the 1500s, garnet became a staple for European royals and their fine jewelry collections, cementing its status as a regal gem.

The word garnet comes from the Latin word granatus for pomegranate, thanks to its deep red color, just like the seeds. The word has also evolved from Middle English expressions linked to the term for dark red in the 1200s.

Predominantly sourced from Africa, garnets are also mined in India, Russia, and parts of Central and South America.

While garnet is a fairly durable stone, it’s more susceptible to damage than rubies or diamonds. Garnet jewelry can be long-lasting, but only with the proper care. Make sure to follow the tips below to keep your January birthstone jewelry shining all year long.

Here’s how to clean garnet jewelry:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water.
2. Add a few drops of gentle dish soap.
3. Soak the jewelry in water.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris.
5. Wipe off jewelry using a clean, wet cloth.
6. Allow to air dry.

Other cleaning options include:

• Use an ultrasonic cleaner as long as your garnet has no fractures and is not fracture-filled. (Some garnets have fractures that experts fill with glass substances before being sold. If so, these garnets require extra gentle cleaning.)
• If you have an ornate piece, get a yearly cleaning from a professional who knows the ins and outs of cocktail rings and other fine gemstone jewelry .

You should never steam clean your garnet jewelry because the heat can crack or damage the stone. When you’re not wearing them, store your garnet pieces in soft fabric jewelry boxes or bags, away from other hard gemstones. This should prevent them from getting scratched.

Start your search for the perfect garnet by considering your color preference. Even classic red garnets come in a wide range of hues, from lighter shades to more saturated, velvety reds. 

Once you know your ideal color depth, focus on clarity, cut and size.  Look for minimal inclusions (imperfections in the stone) to keep the garnet looking clean and clear. A good, well-executed cut will allow more light into the stone to let it shine. 

Finally, as you balance color with carat preference, keep in mind that garnet is naturally dense, so the larger the stone, the darker it appears. 

Next, consider metals. Red garnet looks great in both gold and silver, so consider your recipient’s taste in jewelry metals if you’re giving this classic gem as a gift. If they favor warm palettes, red garnet halo studs set in yellow gold will probably complement their existing wardrobe. 

If your loved one favors cool tones, consider a garnet birthstone necklace set in platinum or white gold.

While garnet is the only official birthstone for January, two other stones are associated with the month: rose quartz and black onyx. 

Sellers could have begun associating these stones with January to offer alternatives to garnet on two opposite ends of a spectrum—rose quartz offers a lighter and softer aesthetic, while onyx is darker and bolder.

Associated with love and romance, rose quartz is known for its light, cotton candy-pink hue. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used it in beauty rituals, linking the stone to youthfulness. 

With a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, rose quartz is somewhat durable, but it can fracture more easily than other stones. If you love the look of rose quartz jewelry, make sure to choose pieces with protective settings like a bezel.

Black onyx is a dramatic, opaque and inky color. Thanks to its striking darkness, some associate onyx jewelry with strength—for example, a pair of onyx drop earrings can signify resilience during the cold winter of January.  

At a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, onyx is slightly durable yet can chip or scratch if knocked against a hard surface.

Garnet’s versatility gives those with January birthstones so many gorgeous color varieties to choose from, all laden with symbolic meaning and powerful history. And even if you still aren’t sold, rose quartz and onyx are equally beautiful backups. 

At James Allen, we’re committed to helping you find jewelry for all your meaningful moments in life. With elevated styles and honest pricing, we’re your stop for gifts, engagements, and self-expression. Browse our selection of garnet jewelry and find a piece to call yours.