Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that has been prized as gemstones for thousands of years, ranging from deep blood-red varieties to vibrant greens, oranges, and purples. These durable gemstones form in metamorphic rocks under high temperature and pressure conditions, creating crystals with exceptional brilliance and fire. Garnets are known for their excellent clarity, rich saturated colors, and remarkable durability that makes them ideal for all types of jewelry.
Color range: Deep red (almandine), purplish-red (rhodolite), orange-red (spessartine), vibrant green (tsavorite, demantoid), yellow-orange (hessonite), and rare color-change varieties
Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5 on Mohs scale
Sizes: Available from small accent stones (2-3mm) to large statement gems (15mm+), with most jewelry-quality stones ranging from 4-12mm
Shapes: Round, oval, cushion, emerald cut, pear, marquise, and cabochon cuts; also available as rough specimens and beads
Origin: Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, India, Brazil, and the United States (particularly Montana and Idaho)
Luster: Exceptional vitreous (glassy) luster with high refractive index creating brilliant sparkle and fire
Durability: Excellent for daily wear with no cleavage planes, making them resistant to chipping and breaking
