Garnet Gemstone: A Comprehensive Guide to Color and Clarity

Garnets are routinely passed by for other more fashionable gemstones, but have a brilliant color palette and a unique appeal to them. Although they are all of the same essential chemical make-up, different varieties of garnet will have outstanding differences in their color and clarity. 

Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that have been prized for their beauty and durability for centuries. Adorned the necks of Egypt’s pharaohs and entombed together as prized possessions in the afterlife, Used as a signet ring to stamp wax on secured documents in Ancient Rome, Garnets have been widely traded and favored by nobles and clergy. “Carbuncle” is the term often used for red garnets and it is believed to be one of the 4 precious gems given to King Solomon by God. 

They come in a wide range of colors, from fiery red to deep green, and are found all over the world. The specific composition of a garnet determines its color, with trace elements of iron, manganese, chromium, and other metals playing a key role.   

Unique Characteristics of Garnet

• Color Spectrum: Garnets boast an exceptional range of colors, encompassing red, orange, yellow, green, purple, pink, brown, and even colorless. This variety makes them highly versatile gemstones.   
• Durability: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, garnets are relatively tough and resistant to scratches. This makes them suitable for everyday wear in jewelry.   
• Luster: Polished garnets typically exhibit a vitreous (glassy) luster, contributing to their brilliance and fire.
• Isotropic: Most garnets are isotropic, meaning they have the same refractive index in all directions. This property influences their light interaction and cutting style.   
• Abrasive Properties: Garnet’s hardness also makes it a valuable industrial abrasive used for sanding, grinding, and waterjet cutting.

Garnet in Jewellery

Garnets have their use in jewellery, and their popularity stems from being both affordable and beautiful. The variety of their colors and remarkable brilliance make garnets a favorite in jewellery. They come in almost every color of the rainbow, from the deep red most commonly associated with this gem to vibrant oranges, lush greens, delicate pinks, and even rare blues. 

Garnet rings are popular for their bold and striking look. The deep red hue of Pyrope and Almandine garnets complements solitaire rings with intense designs perfectly. Garnet rings showcase attractive and appealing exotic colors with Spessartine and Tsavorite garnets, making them ideal for cocktail or statement rings.

The Garnet Family: A Colorful Spectrum

Garnets are a diverse group of minerals that share a common crystal structure but vary in their chemical composition. This variation leads to a wide range of colors and properties, making garnets a versatile and popular choice for jewellery. The garnet family is classified into several main varieties, each with its unique characteristics and hues. Let’s explore the colorful spectrum of garnets:

Garnet Family	Characteristics	Notable Varieties	Trade Names
Almandine	Known as “Carbuncle,” vivid purple to orangey red hues.	N/A	Oriental Garnet, Almandine Ruby, Carbuncle, Precious Garnet
Spessartine	Contains Manganese and Aluminium, various orange hues.	N/A	Mandarin Garnet
Pyrope	Deep red to black, derived from Greek “pyropos” meaning firelike.	Rhodolite (violet red)	Cape Ruby, Arizona Ruby, California Ruby, Rocky Mountain Ruby, Bohemian Ruby
Andradite	Contains calcium and iron, exists in 3 colours.	Melanite (black), Topazolite (yellow-green), Demantoid (green)	N/A
Grossular	Contains calcium and aluminium, green hue.	Hessonite (cinnamon brown), Tsavorite (green)	N/A

Garnet Clarity

Like other gemstones, garnet clarity refers to the absence of inclusions or blemishes within the stone. Clarity of a gem is judged based on the gem’s opacity and how much inclusions does the gem contain. The assessment of clarity is often done thru eye clean and it follows the same grading as with diamonds. Inclusions within the gem affects the value of the gem. The more visible the inclusions are to the visible eye, the lower the value of the gem. 

Garnets sold for jewellery have inclusions that can only be seen under magnification. Any visible inclusions decreases the gems value. Different garnets have different degrees of visible inclusions. red garnets usually do not have eye-visible inclusions while orange garnets can often include eye-visible inclusions. Inclusions that might pose durability problems as well, causing fractures and lowering garnet’s value significantly.

Clarity in transparent Garnets is assessed by the naked eye only and at a distance of about 40 cm. Garnets are classified as type 2 stones. This means that they are eye clean, meaning that there’s usually no visible inclusions within the gem.

The clarity of a garnet can significantly impact its value and appearance. 

• Eye-clean: Garnets with no visible inclusions to the naked eye are considered eye-clean. These stones are typically more valuable.
• Included: Garnets with visible inclusions, which can range from small crystals to clouds or feathers. These inclusions can affect the stone’s clarity and brilliance.

The Impact of Color and Clarity on Value

The color of a garnet is a primary factor determining its value. Intense, saturated colors are generally more desirable. For instance, a deep, rich red pyrope or a vibrant green tsavorite will command a higher price.

Clarity also plays a role in garnet value. Eye-clean stones are generally more valuable than those with visible inclusions. However, unique inclusions can sometimes add character and value to a garnet, especially if they create interesting optical effects.   

Caring for Your Garnet

Garnets are relatively durable gemstones, ranking 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, they can be susceptible to scratches, so it’s advisable to store them separately from other jewelry. To clean your garnet, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals.  

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In conclusion, garnet gemstones are unique and versatile for any jewellery enthusiast due to their history and vibrant color spectrum. The deep reds of Almandine through to the brilliant greens of Tsavorite present a wide choice for one who desires something beautiful but lasting. Not only loved for their historic value, but garnets are also very practical to wear on a daily basis since they are hard and resistant to scratches.

At Michael Trio, we celebrate the diversity of garnets, showcasing beautiful pieces like our Regal Garnet Diamond Ring in 18K White & Rose Gold. This magnificent piece embodies all the beauty and class garnet jewellery is able to add to one’s collection.