The gemstones that correspond to a birth month are known as birthstones, and each one has a special symbolism and historical significance. Birthstones have been popular since prehistoric times, when people thought they possessed extraordinary abilities like luck, good health, and prosperity. Normally, just one birthstone is linked with each month, but as you’ll see below, some months have more than one birthstone. The birthstones that are currently connected to particular birth months may not be the same ones that were utilized in the past. They did not discriminate between gems the way we do today since color was considered to be the most significant characteristic of a gemstone back then. For instance, they were incapable of telling a Ruby from a Garnet. The American Gem Society has approved the modern birthstone list that is represented by our list.
In This Article...
January | Garnet
The birthstone for January is garnet, which is mined in a variety of hues. It is regarded as a wonderful gift to represent friendship and trust, and comes in a variety of vibrant hues, including the flaming orange of Mandarin Garnet, the lush green of Tsavorite Garnet, and the most well-known color, Pyrope Garnet.
What gemstone is associated with January 28?
Due to the red color’s resemblance to pomegranates, the name “garnet” is derived from the medieval Latin granatus. Since the Bronze Age, garnets have been utilized as abrasives and jewels. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs were decked with crimson garnet-studded necklaces. Ancient Roman signet rings contained garnet intaglios for stamping wax seals on important documents. Red garnets were favored in the Middle Ages by the clergy and nobility.
Actually, garnet is a collection of several minerals. Almandine, spessartine, grossular, and andradite are the five pyropes that are significant as stones. Almandine and pyrope range in color from purple to crimson. Spessartine is a vibrant orange and yellow mineral, whereas andradite is mostly a yellow to green mineral (the gem variety demantoid). The color spectrum of Grossular, which ranges from colorless to yellow to reddish orange and orangy red, as well as a potent vivid green known as tsavorite, may be the broadest.
The Smithsonian’s vintage pyrope hair comb is among the most well-known garnet jewelry items (pyrope is from the Greek pyrpos, which means “fiery-eyed). The crest is topped with a large rose-cut garnet that looks like a queen serenely observing her court. The pyrope garnets that adorn this jewel that resembles a tiara came from ancient mines in Bohemia, which is now a part of the Czech Republic. These deep red beauties were quite fashionable in the Victorian era (18371901), when this item was created.
What shade is the birthstone for January?
Garnet naturally comes in a variety of colors, including greens, yellows, and even blues. However, given its intimate link with the pomegranate, garnet is best known for its deep red color. The appearance of garnets can range from being entirely opaque to being transparent.
The significant gem minerals pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, andradite, and uvarovite are all constituents of garnet.
- The stone that is most frequently connected with vintage jewelry is pyrope, which is only red.
- While spessartine is primarily orange, almandine can range from deep red to brownish red and black.
- Grossular is typically green but can also be brown-red or yellow, and andradite comes in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, brown, and green.
- A uncommon type of vivid green garnet is uvarovite.
Meanings and Folklore
The garnet is the subject of extensive mythology that spans many different cultures and eras. The notion that garnet shields its wearer from foes, disease, or terrible nightmares is a popular theme.
- Garnet has long been considered a protective stone and a means of promoting healing and love.
- Roman soldiers would wear garnet before battle in the third and fourth centuries. Additionally, it was believed to guarantee security throughout lengthy voyages.
- Over the years, garnet’s protective properties have led to royalty favoring garnet jewelry and clothing adornments.
- Native American healers believed garnet could fend off poison and injury, while ancient Egyptians believed it could treat sadness and fight off unpleasant dreams.
- Biblical lore claims that Noah utilized a garnet gem as a source of light on the Ark.
- Asian tribes utilized garnets as bullets during combat because they thought they would do more damage.
- Gems like garnet were utilized in anti-inflammatory and heart-soothing treatments in the ancient and medieval worlds.
- Garnets worn around the neck throughout the Middle Ages were thought to be a remedy for dyspepsia and sore throats.
- In more recent times, it is suggested that garnet bestows on wearers loyalty and unwavering affection. Additionally, it is said to promote business success!
History of Garnet
When heat and pressure that break the chemical bonds in the rocks and cause minerals to recrystallize are applied to metamorphic rocks, garnets are created. Some garnets can also be found in granite and other igneous rocks. Garnets are those red-colored grains that are found along beaches and in sandy sediments.
Due to its pomegranate seed-like look, the name “garnet” derives from the Latin word granatus, which means “seeds. The deep-red gemstone was referred to as grenat in early French. Then, grenat became “garnet” when it was borrowed into English.
Garnet has been used since the Bronze Age, making it one of the oldest gemstones ever discovered. There have been discoveries of garnet necklaces and talismans, which are inscribed rings or stones that are believed to have magical properties and bring good luck, in the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Ancient Greeks and Romans placed great value on it and used garnet signet rings to wax-seal important papers.
It remained fashionable until the Victorian era before losing its appeal as a gem. However, it is now perfect for all kinds of jewelry, including earrings, brooches, pendants, and engagement rings, thanks to its beauty and wide range of colors. (Note: Garnet jewelry should be stored away from harder stones as contact with them will scratch them due to their Mohs Hardness grade of 6.5 to 7.5.)
Garnet is utilized as an abrasive as well as for fashion because of its propensity to fragment into erratic grains. Sandpaper for bare and unfinished woods, as well as sanding belts, discs, and strips, are made from garnet. In the technique of “water jet cutting,” which uses abrasive blasting material, it is also used for water filtering.
JanuaryGarnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is said to protect its owner when they are traveling. Because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed, the name “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed.
FebruaryAmethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is thought to improve communication and offer the wearer bravery. Only royalty could wear the jewel in the past. The amethyst was believed to protect against intoxication by the ancient Greeks. Amethyst is really derived from the Greek word amethystos, which means “sober.”
MarchAquamarine, Bloodstone
Drinking the water the aquamarine, the birthstone for March, had been bathing in was said to cure stomach, liver, and heart ailments. Early sailors thought that aquamarine talismans bearing engravings of the sea god Neptune shielded them from the perils of the ocean.
The bloodstone, a dark green gemstone with scarlet flecks, is another birthstone for March.
AprilDiamond
The diamond, the birthstone for April, has long been associated with courage and is a symbol of unending love. The Sanskrit word for diamond is vajra, which also means lightning. In Hindu mythology, Indra, the king of the gods, used vajra as his weapon.
MayEmerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, was a favorite jewel of Cleopatra’s. It has been linked to love, rebirth, and fertility for a very long time. This stone was even dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, by the ancient Romans. Emeralds are now considered to represent knowledge, development, and patience.
JunePearl
Pearl, the birthstone for June, has traditionally been associated with purity. The goddess of love Aphrodite was thought by the ancient Greeks to have created pearls out of her dried up tears of ecstasy.
JulyRuby
The ancient Hindus revered ruby, the birthstone for July, as the “king of stones.” It was thought to keep the wearer safe from evil. The intense red color of the ruby now stands for passion and love.
AugustPeridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, represents fortitude. Due to its pale green hue, it is frequently referred to as the “evening emerald.” The green peridot crystals discovered in volcanic ashes were once thought to represent the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess. This diamond was thought to ward off nightmares when set in gold.
SeptemberSapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, was long supposed to ward off evil and poisoning. It was thought that putting a poisonous snake in a sapphire container would cause it to die. The sapphire, which has historically been a favored stone of priests and rulers, stands both innocence and knowledge.
OctoberOpal
Opal, the birthstone for October, represents loyalty and assurance. The term is derived from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious jewel.” Opal-set necklaces were worn to ward off evil and preserve vision.
DecemberTurquoise
Turquoise, the birthstone for December, is viewed as a love charm. It is also a representation of luck and success, and wearing one is said to calm the mind and shield the person from harm. Particularly turquoise rings are said to ward off evil spirits.
Do you know your natal flower now that you know your birthstone? See our page of flowers by birth month!
Enjoy our birthday facts, history, folklore, and other fun stuff on our birthdays page.
What stone was my birthstone?
A birthstone is simply a gemstone that is linked to a person’s date of birth. Wearing a birthstone is thought to bring luck and good health. Depending on their connection to the planets, several gemstones are thought to possess supernatural abilities. Many societies used to associate a particular gemstone with births occurring during each sign of the zodiac, but throughout time, this custom was changed to correspond with calendar months.
Birthstones have their origins in ancient astrology, and over time, several different lists of birthstones have been employed. The one that is most widely used now is based on a list that the US jewelry industry initially made public in the 1950s.
According to calendar months, birthstones are categorized as follows:
January BirthstoneGarnet
This stone is thought to protect its wearer from harm. A garnet also represents unwavering loyalty and friendship. This stone has a long history of being connected to blood purification and is thought to ward off food poisoning, snake bites, and hemorrhaging.
March BirthstoneAquamarine
This gemstone was thought to protect seafarers and ensure a safe journey. The calming hue of aquamarine is thought to soothe the temper, enabling the wearer to maintain composure and objectivity. Additionally, it is thought that this stone delays the effects of aging.
May BirthstoneEmerald
This stone symbolizes rebirth, and those who wear it are said to receive wisdom, luck, and youth. Some people think that wearing an emerald will grant them patience, progress, and wisdom. Furthermore, it is renowned for its capacity to convey deep love.
July BirthstoneRuby
Rubies are thought to ensure health, intelligence, fortune, and success in love. They also excite the senses and the imagination. Ruby is thought to make the wearer intelligent and provide protection from all kinds of misfortunes.
August BirthstonePeridot
According to legend, peridot possesses magical abilities and healing qualities that can ward off nightmares and grant the wearer strength, influence, and a happy year. Additionally, this diamond was worn to ward off evil spirits.
September BirthstoneSapphire
The wearer of sapphire and their loved ones are shielded from harm and enmity. Priests in antiquity thought sapphires were able to foretell the future. The gem is linked to contentment and calm.
October BirthstoneOpal
Through the ages, opal has stood for optimism, innocence, and purity. It was said that wearing it would improve the wearer’s vision. Additionally, it was believed to drive away evil spirits and to favor kids, entertainment, friendships, and emotions.
November BirthstoneCitrine
The wearer’s hope, enthusiasm, and warmth are supposed to be encouraged and guided by this golden gemstone, which is also said to boost vitality and health. Citrines have also been employed as a talisman against the plague, bad skin, and evil thoughts, as well as an antidote for snake poison. They are thought to facilitate digestion and help the body get rid of impurities.
December BirthstoneTurquoise
This gemstone is said to bring happiness and luck to the wearer. Turquoise was a hue that Native Americans connected to the blue sky and the green ground.
How dark is garnet?
There are actually numerous types and colors in the garnet family, despite the fact that it is best famous for its red hue. The more popular garnet gemstones and their colors are listed below:
- The most popular garnet, almandite, is a red with a violet tinge.
- garnet that is rhodolitepurplish crimson or rose in color
- Pyrope, a fiery, deep-red stone that frequently has a brown tinge, is derived from the Greek
- Brownish-red or cinnamon-colored hessonite
- Orange to red-brown in color, spessartite is also known as mandarin garnet for its purer forms.
- Malaiaorange, reddish-orange, or pinkish-orange
- bluish-green to tsavorite green
- The word, demantoidgreen to bluish-green, refers to a luster resembling a diamond.
- Lotus garnet is a more recent variant that was just identified in late 2015 and has a distinctive pinkish orange to orangey pink tint. It is a combination of pyrope, spessartine, and almandine garnet and is frequently discovered alongside spinel or rhodolite garnet.
Garnets all have identical crystal structures, but depending on where they are found, different traces of calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum give them different colors. They can be found in the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Madagascar, Canada, and Europe. The majority of mined garnets are crushed and utilized in garnet paper and other abrasives; just a small portion are of gemstone quality. Garnet is typically not treated to enhance its color or clarity.
Any garnet with vivid, clear hues and little inclusions will fetch a greater price. Tsavorite and demantoid garnets, with their green tones, are the rarest and most expensive varieties. Both rare and precious minerals include rhodolite, which has reddish undertones, and spessartite, which has vivid orange-red undertones.
Is garnet a pricey gem?
Prices for garnet stones can vary greatly because they come in such a wide range of colors. They typically cost between $500 and $7000 per carat for larger, flawless stones, depending on the presence of imperfections. Demantoid is the most expensive garnet, with a price that is towards the top of the range.
Is garnet a valuable gemstone?
A semi-precious gemstone that comes in a variety of colors is garnet stone. The best-known quality of this January birthstone is that it has healing powers.
Garnetis it a crystal?
Red is frequently the first color that people think of when they hear the word garnet. This stone, however, is not limited to just that. The Latin word granatus, which means grain, is whence the word garnet got its name. The small red crystal grains that make up garnet deposits are embedded within rocks.
Its crystallography exhibits a variety of shapes, including isometric, trapezoid, and dodecahedron. The sporadic ones, on the other hand, are Cube and Octahedron.
One of the most complicated stones among gems is garnet. There are numerous species of garnet listed. Almandine, Demantoid, Andradite-Grossular, Hessonite, Transvaal Jade, Malaia Garnet, Chrome Pyrope, Umbalite, and many other kinds of garnet are among the most well-known. Strangely, garnet is never mined or acquired in its pure form.
Why is garnet used?
Garnets have traditionally been thought of as symbols of love due to their connections to the heart, blood, inner fire, and life force. The meaning of garnet includes friendliness as well. These relationships are surprisingly evil, though.
In Greek mythology, Hades, the deity of the Underworld, abducted Persephone, the goddess of plants. If she didn’t consume any food in that domain, she would only be able to return to the surface world. She had to spend those many months of the year in the Underworld because she consumed some pomegranate seeds, which causes the winter months.
Garnet has come to symbolize a friend or loved one’s safe return due to its link with pomegranate seeds. Garnets were frequently traded between friends as a sign that they would re-connect and were believed to safeguard travelers on their voyages. (However, in the myth, Persephone is forced to go back to Hades by the pomegranate seeds.)
Are there two birthstones for each month?
Although each month has a single birthstone traditionally, certain months have numerous birthstones. This fact does cause some confusion, but the variety of possibilities for some months was developed to give customers a choice of less expensive selections in addition to the more typical, pricey stones.