Garnet

Garnet is the birthstone for January and the gem for the zodiac sign Capricorn. It is also associated with the 2nd, 15th and 19th wedding anniversaries.

When the term “Garnet” is used, it is usually the dark red type and other colour garnets are given more descriptive gemstone names. All garnets have essentially the same crystal structure, but they vary in chemical composition. Garnets have great brilliance due to their high refractive index and they have a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale

There are more than twenty garnet categories, called species, but only five are commercially important as gems. Almandine, Pyrope, Grossular, Spessartine, Andradite and Uvarovite. These species are further divided into varieties with different colours and characteristics. Here are some of the most popular.

Red Garnet

Transparent dark red to reddish-brown forms of Almandine are used as gemstones. Almandine is the hardest form of garnet, and a pure deep red is its most valuable colour. Pyrope garnets are usually a lighter red in colour, more transparent and frequently have fewer flaws than the almandine garnets. They also sometimes have a very slight brownish tint.

Which ever species they are, red garnets are very affordable and used in all types of jewellery, including necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. As they are commonly available in larger sizes so there’s no dramatic rise in value as size increases. Garnets are cut into standard faceted shapes and sizes and into cabochons and beads. They are also popular for designer cuts and carvings.

Traditional folklore creates a strong link between red garnet and blood and it is thought to stimulate the metabolism, relieve skin conditions and regulate the heart and blood. Red garnets were worn to enhance bodily strength, endurance and vigour.

Rhodolite Garnet

Rhodolite Garnet is a particular blend of Pyrope and Almandine. The origin of the name is from the Greek word, “rhodon”, meaning rose. Their colour varies from rose to purplish-violet red. They tend to have high clarity and be very transparent.

Rhodolite Garnets are popular in all standard shapes and sizes. Rhodolite Garnet is known as the stone of Inspiration and is said to stimulate one’s sense of self-worth and alleviate feelings of inadequacy.

Tsavorite Garnet

Tsavorite Garnet is the emerald-green variety of grossular garnet that originates in Africa and was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. Tsavorite has become one of the most popular and expensive garnet variety. They are more commonly found in small sizes, so their value goes up significantly with size. As they are more expensive fine-quality tsavorite are cut into shapes and cutting styles that allow more of the weight to be retained from the rough.

Grossular Garnet exemplifies hope, empowerment, and all things nurturing from Mother Earth. It is said to be a stone of prosperity and abundance; encouraging gratitude and service to others.

Spessartite Garnet

Spessartite Garnet, also called Spessartine Garnet is one of the most rare forms of garnet that has recently increased in popularity. It often has eye-visible inclusions. The colours of these gems range from yellowish orange to reddish orange and orange-red. The reddish forms have Spessartine blended with Almandine. They were first found in the Spessart region of Germany. Spessartite garnets are thought to stimulate the brain, strengthening logical reasoning, mental clarity and activating imaginative thinking.

Mandarin Garnet is the name given to spessartite garnets with the most vivid pure orange. Discovered in Namibia in the 1990s, mandarin garnet is highly desired as a gem for jewellery due to its eye-catching colour, brilliance, and hardness. They are are the most valuable of spessartite garnets, especially clean stones in larger sizes.

Garnet Care

Garnet has excellent wearing qualities but still requires some care. Avoid wearing garnet jewellery when using harsh chemicals like bleach or sulfuric acid as these can cause damage. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean your garnet jewellery. Be sure to rinse well to remove all soapy residue. As with most other gemstones, avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaners, as well as heat steamers. Garnet can scratch other gems and also be easily scratched by harder gems such as sapphire and spinel so always store garnet jewellery separately.