Garnet:  The Birthstone for January

Garnet is January’s beautifully enchanting birthstone.  It is a gem of timeless beauty and profound symbolism.  Its name is derived from the Latin word *granatus*, meaning "seed," due to its resemblance to the deep red seeds of the pomegranate.  While red garnets are the most well known and recognised, garnet also has a diverse colour range and variety.  Almandine garnets are rich in red tones, Tsavorite garnets radiate a lush green brilliance, and Spessartine garnets have a fiery orange hue.  Each of these colours and varieties offers its own unique energy and properties.

Symbolism and Meaning

Garnet is a gemstone associated with the base chakra and the heart chakra.  It represents a passion for life and symbolises love, vitality, and passion.  Garnet is found in a range of colours, from green to orange and even rare shades of pink and purple, each with its unique energy and properties.  It is also a 2nd anniversary gemstone.

Healing Properties

Garnet’s grounding properties provide a sense of stability and protection, making it ideal for those who seek a sense of safety and reassurance.  Its energising qualities revitalise, purifies and balances energy, bringing serenity or passion as appropriate.  Garnet helps to dissolve negative emotions and inhibitions, opening the heart and bestowing self confidence and courage.  It’s a perfect companion for tackling new challenges in the new year.

Garnet Associations

Chakras - Base Chakra, Heart Chakra
Birthstone - January
Zodiac - Aries, Leo, Virgo
Planet - Mars
Element - Fire
Numerical Vibration - Number 2
Typical colours - Most often seen in red, but available in virtually all colours, including: pink, green, orange, yellow, brown and black

How to Use Garnet

Wearing garnet jewellery, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings, is one of the easiest ways to harness its energy.  You can also carry a tumbled garnet stone in your pocket or place it in your living space to invite passion and positivity into your surroundings.

Caring for Garnet

Garnet has a Mohs’ hardness rating of 6.5-7.5, making it a beautiful and durable gemstone that can be worn every day.  To maintain the brilliance of your garnets, clean them with warm soapy water and a soft brush.  Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage the stone.  Regular cleansing and recharging is essential to maintain the energy of your garnet jewellery.  Garnet can be cleansed under running water or placed in the sunlight for a few hours.  You can also cleanse garnet by smudging with sage, or placing in the moonlight.  This practice helps restore the stone’s vibrancy and will ensure it continues to support you energetically.

Celebrate January with Garnet

January is a month of new beginnings, marked by the fresh energy of a brand new year.  Garnet’s vibrant energy encourages fresh beginnings, nurturing self confidence and courage, helping its wearer to embrace the possibilities of the year ahead.

All Charms Of Light Garnet jewellery and crystals are charged with Reiki energy to enhance their natural healing properties and energies.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Birthstone for January

What is the birthstone for January?

Garnet is the birthstone for January.

Is garnet a birthstone?

Yes, garnet is the birthstone for January.

How many birthstones are associated with January?

Garnet is the traditional and modern birthstone for January.

What colour is the birthstone for January?

Garnet is best known in its crimson red shade, however it also has other varieties ranging in colour from rich red, to brilliant green, and fiery orange.

Can you wear Garnet as jewellery?

Garnet is rated 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs’ Hardness Scale, making it a great choice for all kinds of jewellery that can be worn every day.