January Birthstone: Garnet
January's birthstone is garnet. Deep red, and traditionally a symbol of protection, energy, loyalty.
- Stone
- Garnet
- Colour
- deep red
- Hardness
- Mohs 6.5–7.5
- Zodiac
- Capricorn · Aquarius
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 isn't tied to one place — mined worldwide — historically Bohemia, now widely across Africa, India and the Americas.
Mined the world over
Where is garnet cut and traded?
Garnet is cut and traded in Jaipur, India.
Modern & traditional
Birthstone lists have shifted across cultures and centuries — the modern one was standardised by the American jewellers' trade in 1912 and updated since. Garnet is the modern choice 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 mined?
Garnet isn't tied to one place — mined worldwide — historically Bohemia, now widely across Africa, India and the Americas.
What is the Capricorn and Aquarius birthstone?
January runs from Capricorn into Aquarius, and garnet serves both — though sign-based tables can differ from the calendar-month lists.
Is garnet tough enough for everyday wear?
Garnet is Mohs 6.5–7.5, hard enough for daily wear.