Birthstone January

Birthstone January: Garnet the Birthstone for January.

Month-by-Month Birthstone: January’s Birthstone

Birthstone January? The birthstone of January is the garnet. Regarded as the gem of faith and constancy, the garnet was also sought after for it was thought to have curative powers. The garnet’s deep red color especially led many people to associate it with blood, and believe that the garnet was the cure to any blood related illnesses. In times of war, soldiers will wear garnets to protect against wound injuries.

Garnets were even used as missiles, as they were thought to be able to also inflict a fatal wound. In the 19th century, garnet bullets and missiles could be seen used in a number of Indian wars.

Derived from the Latin ‘granatus’ (meaning ‘grain’ or ‘seed’), the name garnet invokes the stone’s close resemblance to the pomegranate seed.

Garnet Birthstone color – January

Though the birthstone color of the garnet ranges from pale orange to dark red, the most appealing garnets have a rich red or purple red hue. Based on traditional Christian belief, the garnet was the fourth stone in Aaron’s breastplate. Its brilliance and brightness allowed Noah to illuminate the ark with its light. The garnet symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice in the bible. The garnet also is of great significance in Islam, where in the Koran the garnet symbolizes the fourth heaven.