The Garnet is the Birthstone for January. 

The garnet gemstone is mostly thought of as red but can come in a range of colours from colourless to black, but not blue. The garnet comes from a family of related minerals, rather than a single gemstone.  Garnet hardness ranges between 7.0-7.5.

Travellers have long since carried garnets as they believe garnets protect against accidents.

Garnet is also the 2nd anniversary gemstone.