Garnet, most commonly the rhodolite variety, is the gemstone coupled to the month of January. Every species of garnet, and there are many, posses similar crystal formations and physical properties, but differ in chemical composition. These mineral variations form a set of closely related gemstones, called a mineral group. The gemstone species of garnet include pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, uvarovite and andradite. Most gem quality varieties of this mineral are a mixture of two or three of these mineral species. For example, rhodolite garnet, is a mixture of pyrope and almandine.
The most popular varieties of garnet include the reddish and purple hues of the gemstone. These shades have a very long history, appearing in pieces found in both ancient Egypt and Rome. The popularity of red garnet may stem from its amble availability. It forms in metamorphic rocks that are found on every continent.
Today there is a wide array of garnet hues available to choose from including reds, pinks, oranges, yellow, greens, browns, and even blues. New species and deposits of garnet have been found all over the world. Listed below are the locations where garnet naturally occurs and is mined to be transformed into beautifully faceted gemstones.
- Brazil – Brazil is home to a vast array of garnet varieties.
- Namibia – Namibia produces stunning spessartine garnets with strong orange hues.
- Kenya – Kenya is home to the famous Scorpion mine that is world-renowned for its tsavorite garnets.
- Tanzania – Tsavorite, a green variety of garnet, was first discovered in Tanzania.
- Iran – A recent discovery of demantoid, a green garnet variety, has made Iran a new supplier of the gem.
- Afghanistan – Afghanistan is one of the largest suppliers of spessartine garnet.
- Pakistan – Dazzling spessartine garnets can be found in the Kashmir reign of Pakistan.
- Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka is a major supplier of rhodolite garnet, the common deep reddish purple variety of the gemstone.
- India – Red garnets can be found in Orissa, India.
- Myanmar – Rare and beautiful reddish orange spessartine garnets can be found in Myanmar. Several other varieties are also mined here.
- Russia – Russia is the original source of demantoid garnets, the rare deep green variety of the gemstone.
If garnet is your gem of choice, let us at Knox Jewelers help you custom create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to showcase this beautiful gemstone. The possibility are endless with a mineral available in so many sizes, shapes and a rainbow of colors. A Knox Jewelers custom created piece, featuring a beautiful garnet is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion falling within the month. Contact us today and lets get started. We have a vast inventory of garnets, in many colors, just waiting to be transformed!