Garnet is one of the hardest of gemstones and is very durable.  It's the birthstone for January and is recognized as a stone associated with the Zodiac signs of Aquarius, Capricorn, Leo, Taurus, and Sagittarius.  Garnet is known as a stone of commitment and power, giving energy and strengthening the will.  It's a stone aligned with the Heart chakra (Anahata) as well as the Root chakra (Muladhara).