Garnet
Aren’t garnets those magnificent deep-red gemstones you frequently find in an antique jewelry shop? To a definite extent, yes, because this fiery gem is considered one of the oldest precious stone there is, but there are a lot more about garnets that you don’t know.
Group of minerals constitute Garnet as a whole. It was noted that garnet was used as early as the Bronze Age. However, they weren’t used as a gemstone then, they were utilized as abrasives. But that was only then. Today, garnet is treated with high-regards and valued in almost all regions of the world. Sadly, only a handful of people are aware that the enchanting world of garnet is far more colorful than red.
In rarest cases, especially in Africa, the image proposed by garnet is associated by a surprising quantity of hues, however, red remains its principal color. There are more to garnets than just being a mere jewelry charm. They are also used for several functions. Just like in geology, garnets are used to gauge how much pressure and temperature a particular rock has already endured. But in the steady world of gemstone, it has a mixed reputation. They are in striking colors, fairly hard, very transparent, and are very robust, thus making it the perfect choice for jewelers. However, due to its abundance and common use, some people find them to be inferior compared to other gemstones. And with that sense, it is already obvious that it is of lower price.
The garnet mineral is wholly variable in colors. It is indeed true when you refer to garnet as red for it is chiefly dominated by this color. However, garnet can also exist in numerous shades of green, orange, a range between light to intense yellow, and other earth-toned nuances. The varieties of colors are endless, but one thing’s for sure, it cannot be seen in the color blue. Furthermore, garnets are also known to offer rarities and one example is the star garnet which can change its color depending on the light that is reflected upon it.
One very rare variety of this gem is Mandarin garnet. This radiant color combination of orange and red make this gem one-of-a-kind. These gemstones were discovered not so long ago in the north-western part of the African region, Namibia. Temperatures in this place are on its extremities, when it’s summer it can hike up to 40-50 centigrade and when its winter its drops as low as freezing. In one remote and untouched place in Namibia served as home to these wonderful creations for millions of years ago but it was only discovered in 1991 and it became famous overnight
Another very rare piece of gem is the Demantoid garnet. This may be one of the most brilliant stones that have ever existed. It is strictly green in color. It name translates as diamond-like, and it is indeed attested because this gem is the most expensive type of garnet , not to mention one of the most precious amongst all the gemstones in the world.
Today, garnet jewelry is becoming more and more popular not only because of its affordability but also because of the natural beauty that it holds. Because of the wide color range of this stone, it can easily pace with the latest color and trends in fashion. And thanks to the new discoveries of its mines they already have a steady supply of them as well.
Garnets have already proven to the world that there are more to them than just being a mere widely used gem. They are available in a vast variety both beautiful and rare. This gemstone truly gives a new momentum to the eternal world of jewelry.