Garnet is the birthstone of January.

The name Garnet originates with the Latin granatum malum which means pomegranate – a red fruit with beautiful red seeds. The inside of the pomegranate looks as if it is studded with small garnet gemstones. Like most red and pink stones, garnets have been connected with the heart, passion, and blood. A wide-ranging array of powers was ascribed to garnet. It was one of many stones thought to be an antidote to poison if taken internally or worn as a poultice. And believed to contain a flare of lightning inside it, garnet was also believed to keep one safe from lightning strikes.