Garnet, The January's Birthstone

January's birthstone is associated with faithfulness, sincerity, truth, and grace, and those born in this month are said to be loyal, devoted friends. Garnets come in a variety of colors but are best known for their deep red shade. Garnet has long been associated with enlightenment and illumination, perhaps because its high refraction index gives it a noticeable brilliance. According to legend, it was a garnet lantern that helped Noah to guide the Ark through the darkness of night.