MALAYA GARNET
Malaya (or Malaia) garnets are a variety of garnet formed by the mixture of 2 garnet species. Garnets are nesosilicate minerals that constitute an isomorphous series, that is, their crystal structure is basically the same (X3Y2(SiO3)4), but they differ in their chemical compositions. There are over 20 different garnet species, but only 6 of them are considered to be gem-worthy, some of which include a few varieties. These species are pyrope, almandine, spessartite, grossularite, andradite and uvarovite. Malaya garnets are typically a result of a pyrope-spessartite mix, although many may also contain traces of grossularite or almandine.
It was discovered in the Umba Valley in Tanzania in the 1960s, and since it did not fit any known variety back then, the miners called them malaya in Swahili, meaning worthless. The name stuck even after they became popular. It is considered quite a rare gemstone and sizes above 3 carats may even command a premium.
LEGEND AND LORE
Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.
GARNET, MALAYA COLORS
Malaya garnet hues range from orangey Red (3) to yellowish orange (7), resulting in a light to dark Orange to reddish Orange color.
GARNET, MALAYA SOURCES
Malaya garnets are found in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Variety: Malaya
Species/Series: Garnet, Pyrope and Spessartite mixture
Chemical Composition: Magnesium manganese aluminum nesosilicate ([Mg3+Mn3]Al2(SiO3)4)
Crystal System: Isometric (Cubic)Color:orangey Red to yellowish orange, resulting in a light to dark Orange to reddish Orange color
Hardness: 7.0 to 7.5
Refractive Index: 1.760 (+0.020/-0.018)
Specific Gravity: 3.78 to 3.85
For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field .
Properties
Reactions
Major Sources
Grading Information: GEM, AAA, AA, A+, A, B
Enhancement Code
Specific Gravity: 3.82
Source: 