Garnet

Most garnets are red or reddish brown or purplish red. They have for years been used in jewelry, typically less expensive but quite pretty jewelry. Almandine & rhodolite garnets are found in large quantities in many locations around the world.

An extremely rare and relatively expensive green gem from one small area in the Ural mountains, Russia, the famed Demantoid, has been used in top quality jewels since the late 1800's. With the sweeping changes that occured after the Russian Revolution, mining and production came to a standstill. As they were found in relatively small sizes and being so rare, most people never see or get to experience them unfortunately! Occasionally fine period jewelry from the Art Nouveau, Edwardian & Art Deco periods will contain a few of these precious jewels. In the recent 10 years or so, Russian exploration & mining has restarted in the Urals, so small amounts of this lovely rare green garnet are finding their way into the market for sale again.

Another of my favourite garnets, is a variety found in East Africa on the Tanzania/Kenya border. Brought to market by the famous Tiffany & Co. as Tsavorite Garnet. It is also a deep rich green color. The name comes from the Tsavo National park in Kenya, where it was discovered. This lovely gem is found in bigger sizes and in more abundance than it's very rare Russian cousin.

Mandarin garnets from East Africa are another lovely variety of garnet, found in a bright orange to orangey-golden color, they are quite bright and lively stones, relatively inexpensive when compared to their green cousins, they are a colored gem lovers delight.