What is the January birthstone?

The modern January birthstone is Garnet; the traditional list gives Garnet.

January: Garnet

Q: How hard is it?

6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Soap, water and a soft brush; fine in an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid sharp knocks on the facet edges.

Traditional: Garnet · Deep red (almandine, pyrope); also green (tsavorite) and orange (spessartine) · Mohs 6.5 to 7.5

What it is

A family of silicate minerals that share a crystal structure, not one stone. The January garnet is the common red almandine or pyrope, mined in India, Africa and Brazil; it is rarely treated and inexpensive in good sizes, so a large clean garnet is a reasonable thing to expect at a modest price.

In the glossary: Garnet.

Care

Soap, water and a soft brush; fine in an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid sharp knocks on the facet edges.

Before you buy

Look for a red that is not too dark to show light through; the cheapest garnets look black indoors. Green and orange garnets cost many times more than red.

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Sources: Jewelers of America modern birthstone list; GIA gem encyclopedia; FTC Jewelry Guides on treatment and lab-growth disclosure. Clasp & Lens does not appraise or grade stones; what a listing says is the supplier's statement.