Garnets are a versatile and beautiful gemstone that come in a range of colors and price points, making them accessible to all. They are often associated with deep red hues, but they can also be found in shades of green, purple, orange, and more.
One of the most interesting facts about garnets is that some varieties, such as pyrope garnets, are mined by termites in the United States. These tiny crystals can also indicate the presence of diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes.
The Subway Garnet, a famous crystal found in a sewer in New York City, is another unique example of garnets. This huge dodecahedron weighs 9lbs and 10oz.
Green garnets, such as tsavorites from the Scorpion mine in Kenya, are considered to be some of the most rare and beautiful. The mine is also visited by a large bull elephant, which can cause problems for the water supply.
The Demantoid, a green garnet discovered in the Ural Mountains in 1853, is another exceptional variety. These stones are known for their bright, intense green color and are often found in antique jewelry.
In 2016, a new color of garnet appeared on the market: a deep purple hue from Mozambique. However, these stones are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain due to the presence of an armed rebel group in the area.
The orange garnets, such as Spessartites and Hessonites, are also noteworthy. Bright orange Spessartites were discovered in Namibia in the 1990s and later found in Tanzania and Nigeria. Hessonites, a brownish orange garnet, are said to have healing properties.
Garnets are a beautiful and durable gemstone that can be found in a range of colors and price points. Some are quite rare, and all have a wonderful saturation of color that makes them a perfect choice for a claddagh ring.