Garnet – Bhandari Gem Exports

Red Garnet

Introduction

Garnet, a gemstone that displays an array of colors, is most commonly associated with its deep red hues, though it can also be found in shades of green, orange, yellow, and even colorless. The name “garnet” is derived from the Latin word “granatum,” meaning pomegranate, as the stone’s deep red color is reminiscent of the fruit’s seeds. Garnets have been cherished for centuries not only for their beauty but also for their believed protective and healing properties.

Throughout history, garnets were considered to safeguard travelers and bring good health. In modern times, they have been associated with love, passion, and commitment, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7.5, garnets are durable enough for regular wear, and their variety of colors makes them suitable for a wide range of jewelry styles, from vintage to contemporary designs.

They say the stone acts as a catalyst for healing, love and promise and is even called the ‘crystal of the heart’ and light follows it wherever it goes. Its healing energy balances the body’s chakras and brings harmony to relationships, alleviating stress and lifestyle ailments.

Location

Mozambique, India, Sri Lanka

Key facts

Mineral Family

Garnet Group

Refractive Index

1.72–1.94 (varies by type)

Mohs Hardness

6.5–7.5

Birthstone

January

Chemical composition

Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃)

Briefringence

None (isotropic)

Specific gravity

3.4–4.3

Although they can be cut into most shapes and sizes whether faceted or cabochons, we recommend they should be at least 1.5 carats in size for best colour appearance. Some free sizes in deeper and finer colours of peach and pink are regularly cut as a part of unique collection.

Their subtle peach colour is caused by traces of manganese. They come in the soft shades of peach, pink, slight purplish-
pink to orangey pink/ salmon. Strong colours are rarer and the stones have to be bigger to achieve finer and deeper colours.

They are usually free of eye-visible inclusions and fractures and mostly cut gems are eye clean to loupe clean with good transparency.

Our Morganites are radiated on electron beam and heat treated. The residual radioactivity in the stones is below the acceptable levels set by U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission and isn’t hazardous to health. This treatment is common, permanent and widely accepted.