Natural Garnet: Complete Guide for Trade, Jewelry, and Collections
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about natural rubies, for trade partners, jewelers, and collectors alike.
Overview
Natural Garnet encompasses a group of silicate minerals that come in a variety of colors, including deep reds, vibrant greens, and rich yellows. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, Garnet is durable and suitable for various types of jewelry, making it a popular choice for both fashion and fine jewelry. Available in multiple varieties, such as Almandine, Pyrope, and Tsavorite, Garnet's versatility and unique color range have solidified its position in the gemstone market. Understanding Garnet’s characteristics, sources, and market dynamics is essential for anyone involved in its trade or collection.
Physical Properties and Specifications
Chemical Composition: (Fe,Mg,Mn,Ca)₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale
Crystal System: Cubic
Refractive Index: 1.72 - 1.94
Specific Gravity: 3.1 - 4.3
Pleochroism: Generally absent; some varieties show weak effects
Fluorescence: Generally inert, but some may exhibit weak fluorescence
Cleavage/Fracture: Conchoidal fracture, no true cleavage
Color and Quality Classifications
Available Color Ranges
Primary hues: Red, green, orange, yellow, purple, brown, and black
Secondary modifications: Pink, blue, and gray
Tone and saturation ranges: Light to dark tones with vivid saturation
Premium colors: Deep red and vibrant green
Commercial grades: Light shades and less saturated colors
Clarity Characteristics
Typical inclusion types: Needle-like inclusions, color zoning, and crystals
Clarity grading standards: Eye-clean to included
Source-specific features: Unique inclusions that may indicate origin
Eye-clean criteria: No visible inclusions to the naked eye
Source Locations and Material
Historic sources
Bohemia (Czech Republic), Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar
Current production
Significant production is currently from Africa, particularly Tanzania and Mozambique.
Source-specific characteristics
Each location imparts distinct characteristics in color and clarity.
Production trends
Increasing demand for Garnet has led to rising prices, especially for high-quality specimens.