There are lots of colours and shades available of this gorgeous gemstone. The most popular colour is red, while one of the more regal shades is orange. However, the rarest of all the colours is the exotic and stunning green, displayed in tsavorite garnet.
Introduction
Spellbinding and showstopping, these little beads of crimson jewels are what you have shown lots of love to. Garnet is a stone that has made its place in the hearts and sights of countless. The hypnotising clarity and sinful colour hold a lot of mysticism. Evoking a deep sense of luxury, the excellence of garnets is loved and cherished by everyone. Absolutely bewitching in all senses and ways, they’re popular and loved for their fabulous crimson red hues. However, they can be seen in other colours, too. There’s a lot of mystery in the air when it comes to these spectacular treats of nature. We have collected a reservoir of knowledge and information, containing all that you need to know about this spell-casting gemstone. Come and read everything we have to tell about these absolute luxuries!
New Arrivals in Garnet
Origin & Supply
Known to be ages old, garnet has been loved by humanity for its excellent hues. It has not only been used for jewellery, but also notes some uses as an abrasive, too. Gemologists have regarded it as not a single mineral, but a group of some. The group of different silicate minerals have the same crystalline structure, but they have different chemical compositions. Contrary to popular belief, the stone is available in many more colours than just red. Other noted hues of this stunning jewel are orange, brown, blue, purple, pink, and even colourless! That said, the most popular and reigning colour remains the dark and stunning shade of red.
Name of the word “garnet” is believed to have originated from 14th Century’s Middle English word “gernet,” which meant “dark red.” The Middle English word has been taken from the Latin word “granatus,” which can be traced back to “granus” for seeds. Garnet is a beautiful gemstone that can be found all across the globe. As previously mentioned, it is a group of silicate minerals. Every different composition can be traced to a different source. It’s a stone that has been abundantly located across the globe. Some of its major locations are Mozambique, Madagascar, USA, Kenya, Turkey, and even Tanzania.
Facts About Garnet
- Garnet are found in different geological environments across the globe. While most of the gems are sourced from underground taverns, garnet can be found in rocks swimming in water streams. These pebbles are small igneous or metamorphic rocks that carry the crystal.
- As mentioned above, the more interesting fact about garnet is its availability in the several stunning colours. It is a gem that has been seen and worn in variants of green, pink, purple, orange, and more such bright colours
- In ancient legends and lore, garnet has also been called “The Stone of Faith.” People believed that only good fortune and happiness shall fall on the individual who shall wear garnet.
- The gemstone has an extremely tactile and durable built. With its rank of 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, it takes efforts to break or crack. In fact, remnants of the stone have been found that date back to the Bronze Age.
- Prehistoric times held lots of reverence and sacredness for the stone. People of the older eras believed that garnet could act as their protectives and prevent them from evil eye, poisoning, and wounds. Some even believed the stone could cure psychological disorders like depression.
- Garnet Birthstone was added to the list back in 1912. It has been regarded as the birthstone for the month of January and is believed to bring lots of luck and joy to the people who are born during this month.
- As popular as garnet is for jewellery, this is not the only use of this gem. In fact, a major part of the mined stone is actually used for making abrasives. The gem grade of the stone is rather rare to come across, hence the higher price.
- Warriors of the past believed that the stone could help them in battles. They believed that its rich red colour will give them courage and heal their wounds. Old-age practitioners, too, used this stone as healing stone.
- Name of this gemstone comes from how it appears. The name has been taken from Old English word “gernet,” which means dark red. This word, itself, has been taken from Latin word “granatum,” which is for seeds. The name “garnet” can be traced back to it being called seeds of pomegranate fruit.
- High-grade garnets also reflect a rare characteristic that is called “asterism.” This is when the stone reflects a stunning star-like effect.
Properties of Garnet
Like most of the other gemstones, garnet too, has some distinguishable features that set it apart from all the other gems. In fact, there is a whole list of noticeable characteristics that you need to look for, when you’re shopping for this beautiful gemstone. Below, we have mentioned the list of major 4Cs of garnets that will help you grade and value the stone in hand. They will also help you in knowing which of the specimens is better graded and in what terms:
- 1. Colour: Among all the significant characteristics of the stone, the most important and popular factor is its colour. Garnet’s quality can be instantly accessed if you study its colour. You’ll find that these gems are not only available in the single dark-red colour that you can think of, but also in a stunningly vast variety of other hues, such as pink, purple, orange, brown, and a few more. That said, among the higher-priced varieties are the garnets available in dark-red colour, along with a few specimens in brilliant green. Some rare pieces of this stone variety also display dichroism, which means that they show different colours when they’re displayed under different lights.
- 2. Cut: Another note-worthy feature of these beautiful gemstones is their cut. The cut and faceting need to be so that they display the intensity of colour in the best of ways. Most of the stones can be chiselled into any kind of cut preferable, from round, oval, cushion, to marquise, heart, and more. However, the green-hued tsavorite garnet and demantoids are usually chiselled into a cut that preserves the carat weight. These stones are rare to come across and have a higher value for the same reason, too.
- 3. Clarity: One of the most appreciable features of this spectacular gemstone is its clarity. This factor, too, also changes as the variety of garnet changes. In some varieties of the stone, you’ll note absolute absence of any inclusions or clouding, which makes them higher-priced and valued. But, on the other hand, there are some stones with small specks noted in them. The coloured varieties of pink, red, and purple are usually clean to the naked eye. However, if we’re speaking of orange and brown-coloured gems, they might have inclusions. Some garnets also display asterism, which is a term used for star-like effect on the stone.
- 4. Carat: Due to its abundance in findings, you’ll note that garnet can be sourced in several different carat weights and sizes. In case of the rarer varieties, like demantoids or tsavorite, the increase in carat weight also increases their prices. It’s mostly because of the fact that the mentioned variety of gems is only available in smaller sizes. Other varieties of garnet can be seen in bigger cuts with bigger carat weight. Conclusively, the importance of carat weight in valuing your gemstones depends entirely on what kind of garnet we’re talking about.
Garnet Gemstone Treatment - You’ll note that most of the gemstones in the circulating market are treated in some way or the other. However, that is not the case with garnets. Among the accepted treatments for gemmologist are irradiation treatment and heat treatment, both of which have proven to be inefficient when it comes to these gems. This is why garnet stones are sold just the way they’re found, and they might be one of the rarer stones to have that.
Types of Garnet
We house a multitude of collection, here at TJC. Our marvellously spanning collection of stones displays rich versatility. You will note lots of different shades and colours of the gem, faceted to glimmering perfection. Here are some of the more popular varieties that we have to offer:
Mozambique Garnet - Known for its delicious apple-red colour, this stone has been revered by countless. Acknowledged for its spectacular aestheticism, it finds its centre-spot in countless jewellery designs that are curated to reign the trends. The gorgeous stone has a deep and lovable colour that instantly adds a royal touch.
Rhodolite Garnet - The variety of stone with a slight pink-ish tinge in the red base, this stone looks absolutely breath-taking in clusters. The rich and magnetic pink-red shade of it makes it an instant showstopper. Used for extraordinary designs, this gem is a true keepsake in all ways that count.
Tsavorite Garnet - You won’t believe this range of the said gem! Famous for its brilliant and stunningly rich green colour, this gem closely resembles to the hues of emeralds. With enviable clarity and a perfect glimmer, this is the best thing you can do to your jewellery.
What to Remember While Buying Garnets?
Garnet is a beautiful stone that can be abundantly found across the globe. It is neither very cheap, not very expensive. But you still need to practice caution when you’re out buying this brilliant gem. Below are mentioned a few tips, tricks, and advises that will bring you the best quality for your buck:
- It is needful to know and understand that ruby and garnet are two different stones. They both belong to different mineral families and have different colours, too. In fact, you may also find variance in both their shades of red.
- Before buying the stone, known all there is to know about this gem. It is important that you educate yourself about the determining factors that affect the quality of your stone. These are called the 4Cs and they’ve been mentioned above.
- The best way of distinguishing your stone from a ruby is by studying its colour. The intensity of red in garnet will always be a lot denser as compared with in ruby. The colour of ruby is considered to be much brighter, while the crimson of garnet is darker.
- A remarkable way of finding out if your gem is real is by holding it up against the light. Real garnets will almost always have small inclusions, if seen under magnification. The cheaper imitations will be absolutely clear.
- Know that red isn’t the only colour available in the stone. There are lots more colours that garnet has to offer. Always ask for more varieties of the gem colour. You don’t have to settle for its red colour.
- Always keep in mind the importance of good cut. If you don’t purchase a specimen that reflects light in the right way, the lustre of this gem will go to waste. Ensure that the cuts and facets of your garnet throw off light in a beautiful way.
- Garnet ranks considerably low on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which is around only 6.5-7. This means that is easier to have scratches, cracks, and external abrasions, as compared with ruby, which ranks 8.
- Ask your jeweller about the treatments practiced on this stone. Usually, most of the gems go under some sort of treatment to enhance their colour or strengthen their stability. However, neither heat nor irradiation treatment work on garnet.
- If you’re harbouring any kind of doubts about the authenticity or quality of the natural gemstone, always ask for proof. Your retailer should be easily able to offer you certificate of authenticity of the gem.
- The value of a garnet with the brilliant cut will always be lower, as it doesn’t reflect but absorb light. If you’re looking for the right cut of this gem, always opt for more ordinary cuts like round, oval, emerald, and more.
FAQ's
What Is the Rarest Colour of Garnet?
How Can You Tell If Garnet Is Real?
Garnets come with a lot of cheap imitations. In fact, the ones made from glass are quite similar to the real ones. The best way of identifying them from real ones is by holding them close to the eye against light source. You’ll see kaleidoscopic hues playing inside of it.
Does Garnet Scratch Easily?
Garnet ranks 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This means that it’s pretty durable. However, it is still susceptible to scratches and external abrasions from a strong impact or when rubbed against surfaces stronger than this.
What Is the Difference Between A Garnet and A Ruby?
The mentioned two stones have often been confused with each other. If you put them together, you may find it rather easy to differentiate. The rich red of ruby is a lot lighter and more vivid, while garnet has a richer and darker tones of the colour.
Where is Garnet Found?
Garnet is quite an abundant stone. It has been sourced from lots of locations spanning across the globe. From its more popular sources are Brazil, Madagascar, India, Mozambique, Kenya, USA, and many more.
Is Garnet A Lucky Stone?
Many people believe that garnet is, in fact, quite a lucky stone. It is believed that wearing the stone brings luck in friendship, love, and career. It is considered to be among the stronger gems of the healing world.
Is Garnet A Birthstone?
Garnet Birthstone has been assigned for the month of January. It was done back in the year 1912 at the time of accumulation of list of birthstones. It is believed that it would bring luck and happiness to the people born during the month.
What Is A Green Garnet?
It has been mentioned many times above that garnet is a stone that’s available in a whole rich range of colours. Green garnet is a variety that’s rare and extremely prized. It’s called the Tsavorite Garnet and it has deep and exotic colour, very much like that of emerald.
What Are the Healing Properties of Garnet?
Over the centuries, garnet has been associated with a lot of power. People believe that there are lots of benefits of wearing the stone, some of which are also for physical ailments. Healers claim that it helps in purifying the blood and strengthening the immunity system.
How rare is Tsavorite Garnet?
Tsavorite garnet is considered to be among the rarest varieties of the stone. This is rarely found in sizes more than 2.5 carats, which makes it extremely prized and treasured. In fact, much caution is practiced while cutting it, so they can minimize the loss in roughage.