Garnet, the birthstone for the month of January, has been in use since time immemorial. Garnet rings and Garnet earrings make a wonderful gift for any occasion.
Availability
Garnets are found in many places including Kenya, Sri Lanka, Mexico, China, India, Canada and USA. One of the largest garnet deposits have been found in New York.
Garnets are available in many colors including red, orange, yellow and green. They are usually available in the shops as a deep-red colored gemstone. Shades of green and yellow are not uncommon; however, blue garnet is a rarity. Garnets exhibit great brilliance, due to their high refractive index. The shape of a garnet is generally round like that of a grain; hence, the name. The color and shape of garnets resemble that of ripe pomegranate seeds.
Composition and Varieties
Garnets are basically silicate minerals, composed of silicon and oxygen, along with minerals like manganese, magnesium, Iron, aluminum or Calcium. Garnets are actually a family of minerals having similar physical and crystalline properties. Six common species of garnets are recognized based on their chemical composition.
They are pyrope (red), almandine (deep red to purple), spessartine (red to fiery orange), grossularite (brownish yellow), uvarovite(green, due to presence of chromium) and andradite (black or vivid green). Of these, the best known and largely available is the red garnet, the pyrope. The most prized among the green garnets-the andradites- is the rare demantoid.
Properties and Uses
Garnets are fairly hard (7-7.5 on the Mohs scale) and hence, are easier to maintain or to work with. Although their primary use is as a gemstone, they are also used for abrasive purposes as well. Garnets are the symbol for health and passion. They help stimulate the blood flow in the body and help in controlling depression or negative feelings by provoking the pituatary glands.
The garnet is also the stone for the second year wedding anniversary. Further, it is known as the stone responsible for a successful business. The price of the garnets varies with the availability of the particular type in the area, and the desired quality. A 10mm red garnet is available at an affordable price range of 5 to 10 USD per carat
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