January – Garnet
The birthstone for January is garnet. Its name is associated with dark red colour and the resemblance of pomegranate’s red seeds. However, as with most gemstones, garnet can come in more than one colour and range from red to green. Garnet is a very durable gemstone (6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale) found all over the world, including Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and India.
Legends suggest that garnet can bring peace, prosperity and good health. It is also sometimes called the gem of Faith and it is believed that to those who wear it and do good, more good will come. However, it is also said to bring very bad fortune to those who commit bad acts while wearing it. Garnet is also thought to symbolise a deep and lasting friendship and would be a meaningful and symbolic gift to a friend.
Garnet is also commonly given as a 2nd wedding anniversary gift. Due to a widely spread tradition, garnet is often given to people born in January. However, it might also symbolise a wish to start a New Year full of goodwill, happiness and purpose.
