All About Garnet: January's Birthstone

Garnet, the birthstone for January, is a gemstone composed of a group of minerals that vary in their chemical composition.

Here are answers to some more frequently asked questions about January's birthstone:

While garnet is mainly known for its deep red color, January's birthstone is actually available in almost every color on the spectrum. Color changing garnet has also been discovered in the countries of Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania. These gemstones change from blue in fluorescent light to a deep, reddish purple in incandescent light.

Garnet was first discovered in Ancient Egypt. Today, the different types of garnet are found all across the world in over 30 countries.

Garnet has a variety of species which also comes with a variety of prices. The price of these loose gemstones depends on several factors such as cut, clarity and shape.

There are more than 20 species of garnet. The six main varieties of garnet are:

• Pyrope
• Almandite
• Spessartite
• Grossularite
• Andradite
• Uvarovite

For more facts and information about the characteristics of the January birthstone, check out the Garnet Gemopedia page.

Garnet is a type II clarity stone with good stability and toughness.

Garnet is known for its healing properties of cleansing and re-energizing the chakras. Not only does it balance your energy, but it also inspires love and devotion. Garnet will also open your heart and create self-confidence. The red garnet gemstones represent love by bringing warmth, devotion, trust, honesty and understanding to relationships.

Garnet is one of the few gemstones not color enhanced for sale. While a deep red hue is the traditional color of the January stone, garnets can be found in other beautiful colors such as blue, green, orange, pink, violet and yellow.

Do you enjoy rich greens? Then you need to consider tsavorite garnet or even the rare and exotic demantoid garnet. Tsavorite has the richness and beauty of emerald, while fine demantoids can have the luster and fire of diamond. Both are exciting alternatives to the traditional color that everyone usually associates with the January birthstone.

While andradite garnet is most widely known for the variety demantoid, it can also be found as a bright yellow gem sometimes referred to as topazolite. Likewise hessonite garnets, which are most well known for their cinnamon red color, can also be found in attractive yellow colors.

If you enjoy warm colors, then you might want to consider the orange to reddish-orange spessartite garnet. The orange variety, also known as Mandarin garnet, is highly prized and spectacular to behold; yet affordable. Either loose or set in jewelry, spessartite is certain to bring a smile to that special person in your life.

Whether treating yourself or selecting that special gift for another, always consider the stunning reddish-purple to violet or pink variety of garnet called rhodolite, a truly exciting member of this large and colorful family of gems.

The newest color to garnets palette is blue. Recently discovered in Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania, these garnets change from blue in fluorescent or daylight equivalent light to a deep reddish purple in incandescent light. They are a phenomenal addition to any collection.

Garnet and ruby are two stunning red gemstones that are easily confused with one another. These two gemstones may have similar coloring but are actually quite different. One notable difference between the two is their durability. Rubies have a Mohs Scale rating of 9, while garnet has an average score between 7 to 7.5. The rich coloring of red is also a difference between the two stones. A garnet's color will appear pale in comparison to the fiery color of a ruby.

Garnet, a stone symbolizing love, was a popular gemstone among royalty and aristocrats. Some believe wearing garnet jewelry will give you the strength you need to take charge of your life and release negative emotions.

January babies, you love the beauty of garnet, but if you've never tried it, you're missing out. Garnet comes in many colors, but the most recognized is a gorgeous crimson red. Worn with pink, a garnet pendant adds a bold splash of color. Pair garnet hoops with darker tones and let yourself shine. Try a head-to-toe red with garnet accents and tell the world you have arrived.

Gorgeous garnet is not just for people born in January. If you wish for something a little more colorful, orange, yellow or green garnets are ideal for you! A pair of yellow garnet earrings will add a touch of eye-catching color to your everyday outfit. You cannot go wrong with any of garnet's stunning colors. No matter what your heart desires, garnet will be exactly what you need.

Rose quartz, the pink variety of the quartz gemstone, is an alternative birthstone for the month of January. With its blushing pink hue, rose quartz will be popular for years to come.

Next: Amethyst, February's Birthstone