January Birthstone Color and Flower & more January Birthday Symbols

The January Birthstone is Garnet

The official birthstone for the month of January is beautiful deep red Garnet and thus the January birthstone color is deep red.

January is one of the few months that only have one birthstone, so there are no alternative January gemstones.

Garnet is one of the Zodiac birthstones for both Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) and Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) star signs.

Other birthday symbols include the birth flowers for January which are the Carnation and Snowdrop.

Besides being a meaningful January birthday gift, Garnet jewelry is also given to celebrate a second wedding anniversary.

The word garnet is derived from words meaning ‘deep red’ and ‘seed’, possibly linked to the crystal’s similarity in shape and color to red pomegranate seeds.

Garnets are said to symbolize trust, loyalty and compassion.

Watch the short, informative videos below highlighting the history, symbolism and properties of this lovely gemstone.

January Birthstone Color: Deep Red

The January birthstone color of deep red comes from the deep red variety of the January gemstone Garnet.

Garnet is not in fact just one gemstone but a group of similar crystals called silicates. Most garnet types formed during massive rock transformation events caused by extreme heat and pressure during geological processes millions of years ago. Other garnet varieties formed during explosive volcanic episodes. Garnet is found on all continents however the rarer types only occur in a few locations.

There are two main series of garnets within the garnet group - the first series comprises the warm deep red varieties Pyrope and Alamandine as well as orange Spessartine. Pinkish Rhodolite is also in this group and is actually a mixture of Pyrope and Alamandine. The second series comprises Uvarorite, Grossular and Andradite garnets which occur in a variety of colors, including some of the spectacular, rarer green garnets.

Deep red Pyrope is usually set in January birthstone jewelry however some modern designers have started using the other types of stunning garnets in their birthstone collections.

Isn't it amazing to realize that the garnet we see today was created deep in the earth's crust eons ago and has traveled such a long journey through time and space to ultimately reach our homes!

Discover more about garnet gemstones and garnet history and symbolism.

Alternative January Birthstone: Green Garnet

January is one of the few months that does not have alternative or secondary birthstones. However due to the wide color range within the garnet group, there are other choices besides the traditional deep red garnet. For example there are three lovely green varieties - Green Grossular, Tsavorite and Demantoid.

Green Grossular is a yellow-green stone, named after similar colored gooseberry, first discovered in Russia and later in Hungary and Italy.

Tsavorite is a bright emerald green gemstone discovered in Tanzania and named after Tsavo National Park of that country. To date this stone has only been found in East Africa and Madagascar.

Demantoid is a rare, emerald green gemstone named after diamonds due to its similar lustre and sparkle. It was first discovered in Russia and was the only source for many years until a new deposit was found in Namibia.

So this January why not try out a beautiful piece of green garnet jewelry for yourself or a loved one with a January birthday.

Discover more about the different types of Garnet.

January Zodiac Signs and Crystals

The two January birthday zodiac signs are Capricorn and Aquarius. The Capricorn sign is from December 22 to January 20 and the Aquarius sign from January 21 to February 19. (The start and end dates can vary by a day or so each year).

New Moon Beginnings offer Zodiac crystal sets (rough or tumbled) to enhance each sign's positive qualities and to calm negative energies.

In the Capricorn crystal set - garnet, fluorite, smoky quartz, onyx and azurite compliment the self-sufficient and ambitious Capricorns. Find out how these stones can help strengthen the Capricorn sign characteristics.

Aquamarine, labradorite, amethyst, angelite and hematite are included in the Aquarius crystal set to enhance their humanitarian and progressive nature. Discover how these stones amplify the qualities of the Aquarius sign.

Capricorn Crystals (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Capricorn Jewelry

Aquarius Crystals (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Aquarius Jewelry