- NAME
The name of the Garnet derives from the Latin "granatus" (grain or seed) due to the round shape of the raw stones and the resemblance to the red seeds of the pomegranate. It should be clarified that this Precious Stone comes in different colors, not only in shades of red and if we observe the crystal under the microscope, the crystals are more cubic than round.
- CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GARNET
The different types of Garnet are silicates with a similar crystalline structure, but the chemical composition of their varieties varies, which gives each type different colors and properties.
- GARNET EXTRACTION
The different varieties of Garnet are mined in India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Tanzania
- HISTORY OF THE GARNET
The best-known variety of Garnet is certainly the red, or red-purple (Mozambique Garnet and Rhodolite). Protagonist of many ancient narratives, he plays a role in Greek mythology that is mentioned in the episode of the abduction of Persephone to hell, while in both Hebrew and Muslim traditions it is his splendor that is to be praised. Red Garnet has not only been mentioned in ancient legends but also carved and worked as a precious stone since ancient times. The Vikings used Garnet jewelry as funeral ornaments to illuminate the deceased on their way to Walhalla, while the Crusaders decorated their armor with this gem to have more courage in battle. During the 18th and 19th centuries the Garnet will be especially loved and coveted as a Precious Stone, in particular the Bohemian Garnet.
- CHARACTERISTICS OF GARNET
Despite their similar structure, the presence of some traces of metal (manganese, calcium, etc.) allows the formation of a very wide range of different colors, ranging from violet to chocolate, passing through green, yellow, pink and red, with a total of thirty-eight different types of Garnet.
- VARIETY OF GARNET
The Mozambican Garnet takes its name from the country it comes from. Thanks to its beloved warm red hue, reminiscent of a ruby, it is considered the classic Garnet. Malaya Garnet is mined in only one location in the world, in East Africa, where it was discovered. This beautiful African gem shows a deep orange sometimes with shades of hot pink. Unfortunately, this variety was underestimated for a long-time causing buyer to lose interest. A disinterest that is expressed even in his name: “Malaya” in Swahili means “outcast”. It was only in the 1970s that this beautiful and feminine gem was set in a pendant for the first time and since then the Malayan Garnet has acquired a role within the American Gemstone market.
Rhodolite mined in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and India shows a wonderful red with deep purple reflections. Discovered in 1882 by George Frederick Kunz in North Carolina, it was named for its resemblance to the colors of the mountain rhododendron: a splendid mix of fiery red and purple.
The new Raspberry Rhodolite from Tanzania shows a beautiful hue, so much so that it is called the “Queen of the Garnets”. It is surely the most precious variety of Rhodolite offered in the Gemstone market today.
Instead, red-orange tones characterize Spessartine, a variety of Garnet that owes its name to the place where it was found for the first time, Spessart, in Bavaria. After its discovery in the 19th century, it was also mined in Virginia, Australia, Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zambia, and Nigeria.
