January Birthstone: Garnet
January's birthstone is garnet. Garnet is deep red and traditionally associated with protection, energy, loyalty.
Modern U.S. list · reviewed by MyPiece Editorial · 2026-08-04
- Stone
- Garnet
- Colour
- Garnet: deep red
- Hardness
- Garnet: Mohs 6.5–7.5
- Zodiac
- Capricorn · Aquarius
Garnet
Modern U.S. list · term garnet
Deeper and warmer than most red stones, garnet was the Victorians' mourning gem and the Bohemian jeweller's staple. It's tough enough to have survived on rings dug from Roman sites — and it comes in more than the familiar red, including a rare green (tsavorite and demantoid) that rivals emerald.
Traditionally a symbol of protection, energy, loyalty, and Mohs 6.5–7.5 — tough enough for everyday wear. How to care for it →
Where does garnet come from?
Garnet has no single source pin on MyPiece. Historically associated with Bohemia and now sourced across Africa, India and the Americas.
Multiple source regions
Historically associated with Bohemia and now sourced across Africa, India and the Americas.
Where is garnet cut and traded?
Garnet is cut and traded in Jaipur, India.
Modern & traditional
Birthstone lists have shifted across cultures and centuries. This page follows the Jewelers of America modern U.S. list. Garnet is the modern listed stone for January. Rose quartz is a traditional alternate.
Common questions
What is January's birthstone?
January's birthstone is garnet. Rose quartz is a traditional alternate.
What colour is January's birthstone?
Garnet is deep red.
What does January's birthstone mean?
Garnet traditionally stands for protection, energy, loyalty — associations carried by custom, not science.
Where is garnet sourced?
Garnet has no single source pin on MyPiece. Historically associated with Bohemia and now sourced across Africa, India and the Americas.
What is the Capricorn and Aquarius birthstone?
January runs from Capricorn into Aquarius, and garnet serves both in the calendar-month list. Sign-based tables can use different traditions.
Is garnet tough enough for everyday wear?
Garnet is Mohs 6.5–7.5 and is generally more suitable for frequent wear. Hardness is only one care factor, so the setting and the stone's condition still matter.
Sources & further reading
Garnet
- GIA - Garnet Descriptionchecked 2026-08-04
- Wikipedia - Garnetchecked 2026-08-04