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Join us in exploring the world of garnets, this month’s featured crystal! Read on to learn the geological and metaphysical properties of this stone.

Table Of Contents

• GEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
  • Pyrope
  • Spessartine
  • Andradite
  • Demantoid
• COLLECTING
• METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
• FOR SALE IN THE SHOP

Geological Properties

‘Garnet’ is more than just one crystal – it actually encompasses a group of stones, all of whom share similar physical properties and forms, but are different from each other chemically.

The members include: 

• Pyrope,
• Almandine,
• Spessartine,
• Grossular,
• Uvarovite and
• Andradite.

They all occur in lots of different colours, but red is the most common and well known. Of these, you can usually find Pyrope, Spessartine, Grossular and Andradite in our shop. Let’s take a closer look at these garnet species.

Pyrope

Pyrope is rich in Magnesium and Aluminium. The name “pyrope” comes from the Greek “pyropes”, meaning “fiery-eyed”, in reference to its red colour. Although it’s hue can vary from a reddish-brown to pink. It’s also known as Bohemian Garnet, or Cape Ruby.

Right: Tumbled red to pink Pyrope Garnets with fantastic translucency, from Madagascar.

Spessartine

Spessartine is a Manganese-Aluminium garnet. The Manganese gives it the orange colours that fine Spessartines are prized for (although they can range from a brilliant yellow-orange to a dark red-orange to brown). Considered very rare.

Right: Spessartine Garnets in a Calcite & Aragonite included matrix, polished slice.

ANDRADITE

Andradite Garnet is a calcium-iron variety. A rare member of the group, and gem quality stones are very highly sought after. They occur in colours of yellow, green, red and even black. Andradites have higher dispersion (‘fire’/sparkle) than any other member in this group and many other gemstones, including diamonds.

Right: A super rare formation of iridescent Andradite garnets on matrix, from KMF.

Demantoid

Demantoid Garnet is green in colour, and considered one of the most valuable and rare stones in the gemological world. It falls in the Andradite group. It is a Calcium- and Iron-rich garnet, with Chromium creating the green colour.

Right: Rare & highly collectable green Demantoid Garnets in matrix. A large specimen from the Green Dragon Mine in Erongo.

Collecting

When it comes to collecting crystals in this group, you are looking at colour and clarity for really good specimens. Certain mines, like the Green Dragon Mine in Erongo, are also famous for producing specimens of note, making these more valuable.

This is such a fun group to collect – the colours that can be found from different parts of the world are a delight. And in general, you can get fairly good specimens without breaking the bank.

Our best find to date include the large Demantoid in matrix specimens from the famous Green Dragon Mine, as well as the iridescent Andradites.

Andradites with irridescence are extra-rare and collectable, having almost exclusively only been noted from Japan, but we have had two stunning little specimens from South Africa’s own Kalahari Manganese Fields pass through the shop.

Metaphysical Properties

• A powerful energizing & regenerating stone.
• Known to revitalize, purify and balance energy.
• Brings serenity or passion as appropriate.
• A protective gem, it has been believed to warn its wearer of coming danger since Medieval times.
• It can inspire love & devotion, and is called the Stone of Commitment.
• Said to balance the sex drive.
• Useful in a crisis, Garnet fortifies, activates & strengthens the survival instinct.
• Promotes mutual assistance in times of trouble.
• Clears negative chakra energy.

Garnets For Sale In The Shop

Take a look at some of the crystals in this family we currently have available in the shop: