Colors
- Red (most common), from light rust to deep violet red
- Green (tsavorite)
- Violet
- Brown
- Black
- Blue
- Colorless
- Some change color under different light
Browse other gems by color: Red · Green · Purple · Brown · Black · Blue
Where Garnet comes from
- United States
- Czech Republic
- Greece
- Russia
- Tanzania
- Madagascar
- Sri Lanka
- India
Garnet meaning and history
The name: From the 13th century Middle English "gernet" (dark red), from the Latin "granatum", pomegranate, because the stones look like pomegranate seeds.
Garnet jewelry dates back to the Bronze Age, and Egyptians used it as inlay around 3100 BC.
Romans favored garnet for signet rings, and it was worn as a talisman for protection in battle.
Bohemian garnets and Russian demantoid garnets were popular in the Victorian era.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Garnet?
Garnet is 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: fair to good. Avoid hard blows and rough wear.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Garnet
| Warm soapy water | Safe |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe, except stones with fractures |
| Steam cleaner | Not recommended |
Heat, light and chemicals: Stable to light and chemicals; can be attacked by hydrofluoric acid.
Treatments to ask about
Rarely fracture filled. Clean fracture filled garnets only with warm soapy water.
Can you wear Garnet every day?
Good for everyday wear Durable for most jewelry, including rings, with a little care. Check other stones.
Frequently asked questions
What is Garnet?
A group of minerals that come in many colors. Garnet is the January birthstone.
What month is Garnet the birthstone for?
January.
How hard is Garnet?
6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: fair to good. Avoid hard blows and rough wear.
How do you clean Garnet?
Warm soapy water: safe. Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe, except stones with fractures. Steam: not recommended.
What does Garnet symbolize?
Garnet jewelry dates back to the Bronze Age, and Egyptians used it as inlay around 3100 BC. Romans favored garnet for signet rings, and it was worn as a talisman for protection in battle. Bohemian garnets and Russian demantoid garnets were popular in the Victorian era. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Which anniversary is Garnet for?
The American Gem Society links Garnet to the 2nd wedding anniversary.
Sources
- GIA: Garnet care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: January birthstone (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.