What is spessartite garnet?

Spessartine is a manganese-aluminum garnet; the manganese gives it the orange colors that fine spessartines are prized for (although they can range from a brilliant yellow-orange to a dark red-orange). They are typically included with fine small crystals or bubbles.

Is spessartite garnet rare?

Usually orange to reddish brown, gem-quality spessartite or spessartine garnets are somewhat rare. However, as blends with other garnet species, they include popular mandarin and malaya garnets as well as color change gems. Spessartites make very durable jewelry stones.

Is spessartite a gemstone?

Although Spessartite is regarded as a Type II gemstone occurring with some minor inclusions that may be eye-visible, favour eye-clean gems. Lighter coloured and larger examples, as well as Namibian Mandarin Garnet, may have more inclusions.

Is spessartite garnet expensive?

The bright yellowish-orange is the second most valuable color, with prices in the range of $750 to $1,200 per carat. The golden-orange and reddish-orange colors are generally less expensive, with prices generally from $200 to $700 per carat for clean and well cut stones.

What is spessartite garnet good for?

Spessartine Garnet stimulates all aspects of creativity in both energy and ability, and encourages us to take actions toward our dreams, visions, and goals. It induces optimism, confidence, daring, and action. Spessartine Garnet is associated with the grounded, pragmatic nature of Virgo.

How do you identify spessartite?

Spessartite garnet can be identified by its orange color. Garnet in general can be distinguished from other gem types by its occurrence in metamorphic rock, its hardness (6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale), color, refractive index and cubic crystal structure.

What does garnet gemstone mean?

Love and Friendship. With associations with the heart, blood, inner fire, and life force, garnets have long been considered symbols of love. Garnet symbolism also extends to friendship.

Where is spessartite garnet found?

Sources include Australia, Myanmar, India, Afghanistan, Israel, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Tanzania and the United States. Spessartine of an orange-yellow has been called Mandarin garnet and is found in Madagascar.

What is the difference between hessonite and spessartite garnet?

Distinction between hessonite and spessartine is fairly straightforward, too. Hessonite has a refractive index of 1.731 to 1.754 whereas the R.I. of spessartine lies between 1.795 and 1,985 which is beyond the range of a standard refractometer. Hessonite can also be identified by its typical inclusions.

What is the rarest garnet?

Tsavorite
Tsavorite, the world’s rarest garnet; A stunningly beautiful green gemstone that rivals any other green gem.

What is a blue garnet called?

Pyrope–spessartine
Pyrope–spessartine (blue garnet or color-change garnet)