Curious about January birthstones? Since most cultures around the world used the same stone, garnet is considered the official birthstone for January… but there are more!
Read on, or click any link below to take you to its paragraph on this page.
Alternative January Birthstones
January Birthstone Color
Deep Red
Red symbolizes so many things – blood, fire, danger, love, passion, and anger just to name a few. It’s believed to be a color of power, strength and energy.
I’ve always been partial to this color simply because I am a redhead. 🙂
Traditional & Modern Stone: Garnet
Garnet Birthstone Meaning
Guidance, Success, Love, Health, Hope
The garnet stone is said to bring protection from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm as well as give health and energy to its owner. It was believed to resolve anger issues and feelings of contention. Some use the garnet to help them get through difficult times of life and increase their will-power.
The garnet is believed to encourage the faith, fidelity, true friendship and constancy to the one who wears it. It also brings good luck and high regard to its owner.
Garnet Birthstone Facts and Mythology
The garnet is sometimes confused with the ruby, simply because of its red color. Rubies are a more brilliant red, whereas garnets are generally a dark red or even brown color.
Ancient cultures used it as a remedy for hemorrhages and blood disorders of all kinds.
Some even used garnet bullets instead of lead bullets, thinking it would be more lethal because of its color.
Alternative January Birthstones
Typically, you can use any stone of a similar color or in a similar mineral family as the official birthstone and it counts as an “alternative birthstone”. Here are some examples:
- Ruby
- Spinel
- Carnelian
- Bloodstone
But there are lots of other options for the month of January. George Kuntz is well known for his study of gems and stones. Although most of the ancient cultures he studied used garnet, he describes several other stones also used for January.
Here is a list of stones that are considered a good alternative for this month’s birthstone.
- Hyacinth
- Onyx
- Jasper
- Serpent Stone
January Birth Flower: Carnation & Snowdrop
The carnation is January’s modern birth flower. This flower has many meanings, but most agree on affection and love.
The snowdrop is the traditional January birth flower. This hardy bulb is one of the first plants to flower in the early spring, making it a fitting symbol of hope.
It is also a symbol of beauty and purity, making it a perfect addition to any birthday flower gift.
Sources: See sources listed on the Birthstone Color Chart page.
Up Next:
February Birthstone – The Stone Of Soberness
Previously:
December Birthstones Sacred And Secular
Related Reading:
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