Garnet is another gemstone that is often underappreciated, especially by those born in the month of January. The birthstone for this month, garnet is a unique gemstone due to that fact that it comes in many colors, including a shade of green that could make the finest emeralds jealous and a color change variety which resembles genuine alexandrite.

The traditional deep red garnet is the most commonly seen of the garnet colors, but this gem also comes in shades of fiery orange, rich raspberry, emerald green and many more.

Another interesting fact about the garnet group, is that where most gems are classed strictly by the chemical composition, garnets are a group of closely related minerals that each have a slightly different chemical make-up but similar crystal structure.

Tsavorite garnet, a rare green variety of garnet mined in Kenya and named for the country’s Tsavo National Park, is a great choice for the January birthstone and also serves as an excellent, genuine alternative to emerald. Tsavorite is a far more durable stone than genuine emerald which often has clarity and durability issues.

Rhodolite garnet is a rich, purplish red garnet that looks like rich wine or raspberry jelly. This vivid and abundant variety of garnet has become a very popular choice in birthstone jewelry, offering a more unique alternative to the traditional crimson.

Spessartite garnet comes in many shades of orange, adding a bright colorful addition to the January birthstone. If garnet is your birthstone, you have far more options than perhaps you have ever imagined!