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The garnet – a gemstone with many different varieties

The garnet group includes gemstones of different colors with a similar crystal structure and related chemical compositions. The main representatives are pyrope, almandine and spessartine in the so-called pyralpite series and grossular, andradite and uvarovite in the ugrandite series. Garnet is also often popularly called the red "carbuncle stone", although the gemstone has a much wider range of colors than just red.

Characteristics and color of garnet

The red varieties of garnet are generally the most well-known. The most important and popular gemstones are pyrope and almandine, which have a red color. In addition to these gemstones, there are also green, yellow, orange, brown, black, and even colorless garnets. Only a blue garnet has not yet been discovered. The name garnet comes from the Latin word "granum," meaning "grain." However, due to the rounded crystals or their resemblance to the red blossoms of the pomegranate tree, the name could also be derived from this plant. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, garnet is one of the more robust gemstones. For this reason, it is very easy to work with, has a particularly beautiful brilliance, and is therefore a popular gemstone. The gemstone ranges in transparency from transparent to opaque, and shines from crystal-clear to resinous. It is also characterized by its high light refraction. Garnet crystals can weigh up to 700 kg when untreated.

History of Garnet

Red garnets have been a feature of myths and stories for centuries. They are already known in Greek mythology in the legend of Persephone's abduction by Hades. Their unique and extraordinary luminosity is part of many Jewish and Muslim traditions. To this day, garnets symbolize light, but also loyalty. They have been very popular as a gemstone for many years. To illuminate the path to Valhalla, the destination of all brave, fallen warriors, the Vikings placed garnet jewelry in their graves. Crusaders also wore garnets on their armor; they felt safe under their protection, as the red gemstone symbolizes power and passion. Pyrope, whose name comes from the Greek and means "fiery" – characteristic of its color – was a truly fashionable gemstone in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Garnet – a widely used gemstone

The term garnet encompasses over ten different groups of gemstones, all of which originate from different regions. However, most garnets suitable for processing are discovered in Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the USA. The most valuable garnet, the demantoid, belongs to the andradite variety, which can be black, brown, yellow, or green in color. This subgroup is named after the Brazilian mineralogist José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva. The demantoid, whose name means "diamond-like luster," is green to emerald green and is found primarily in China, Italy, Korea, Namibia, Russia, and the USA. It was first discovered around 1855. Another special type of garnet is the rainbow garnet. It is an andradite with an opal-like shimmer and comes from Mexico. Spessartite, a garnet ranging in orange to reddish-brown, comes from Germany. The name of this variety refers to the location where it was found, on the Rauhenstein peak northeast of Aschaffenburg in the Spessart mountains. Other occurrences today include Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, Pakistan and particularly fine varieties from northern Namibia.

Its different varieties

A long-underrated gemstone, Malaya garnet is still mined in only one location today. This East African variety shines in an intense orange, sometimes mixed with pink. Its name also reflects its low appreciation in earlier times: the Swahili word "malaya" means "outcast." However, since the 1970s, Malaya garnet has become particularly established on the American market. Rhodolite has a beautiful red color. It was discovered in 1882 by George Frederick Kunz in North Carolina. He named it after the rhododendrons, which exhibited a similar color. The currently highest-quality rhodolite variety is the so-called raspberry rhodolite, which exhibits extremely feminine red tones. Among connoisseurs, this gemstone is also called the "queen of garnets." Tsavorite has a beautiful, glossy green color and was discovered by Campbell R. Bridges and named after Kenya's Tsavo National Park. This gemstone is also found in Tanzania. Because of its color, tsavorite is often compared to emerald. However, green garnet is much rarer.

Individual garnet jewelry at RENÉSIM

Garnet is a particularly popular gemstone and is worn especially in its red color. It is also the birthstone for the zodiac sign Scorpio. At RENÉSIM, you can find exactly the piece of jewelry you desire. In our shop, for example, you can choose the popular halo ring with a red garnet . Or would you like a custom-made ring or a unique necklace with a green or yellow garnet? Your satisfaction is our top priority at RENÉSIM. You will receive exclusive advice from our competent service team. In a personal consultation, you can tell us about your ideas, and that's how your unique piece of jewelry is created. There are no limits to your creativity. If you have a very special request or would like to know more about the custom jewelry at RENÉSIM, simply contact us by phone (+49 89 1222 893 0) or email. If you would like to know more about garnet, take a look at our information page: Garnet: A gemstone in far more colors than just red.

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