SPESSARTITE GARNT

Spessartite (or Spessartine) is the orange variety of garnets. Garnets are nesosilicate minerals. They 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. Spessartite is a manganese-aluminum nesosilicate mineral (Mn₃Al₂(SiO₃)₄) and is the only variety under the Garnet Spessartite species.

Spessartite receives its name from Spessart, Bavaria, in Germany, the locale where it was first discovered. Most of the spessartite gems are heavily included causing them to sparkle as light reflects from these inclusions. This, in combination with its hardness, makes it an attractive stone. Spessartite is also known by the trade names mandarin garnet and hollandine garnet, although some traders limit the use of the trade name mandarin garnet to straight- or reddish-Orange colored gems only.

LEGEND AND LORE

Red garnets were very common since ancient times and were mined in Europe of old, hence its name is thought to have come either from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a token of the dark red color and shape of the seeds, or from the Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red.

Garnets in every variety are birthstones of the month of January. It is traditionally given on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnets have been around since ancient times. The Bible mentions garnets as one of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest. Christians believed garnet symbolized the sacrifice of Christ. Muslims believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. The Greeks said it guarded children from drowning. Tribes from India used red garnets as pellets, believing that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound upon enemies.

Spessartite is thought to enhance both the analytical and creative aspects of the mind, alleviating fears and encouraging one to take action to realize dreams and goals. It is believe to help the digestive and reproductive systems and to help against depression and nightmares.

GARNET, SPESSARTITE COLORS

Spessartite has an Orange-Yellow to reddish Brown color and is of very high luster. The spessartite colors range from Orange (5) to yellowish Orange (7), where larger stones are slightly darker and possess a brownish tint.

GARNET, SPESSARTITE SOURCES

Pyrope was original mined in Bohemia in the Czech Republic, but today this source does not produce commercial quantities.

Pyrope is mined in many locations around the world. It is found in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, China, Brazil and USA in North Carolina, Utah and Arizona.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Variety: Spessartite
Species/Series: Garnet, Spessartite
Chemical Composition: Manganese-aluminum Nesosilicate (Mn₃Al₂(SiO₃)₄)
Crystal System: Isometric (Cubic)
Color: Orange-Yellow to reddish Brown
Hardness: 7.0 to 7.5
Refractive Index: 1.810 (+0.004/-0.020)
Specific Gravity: 4.15 (+0.05/-0.03)

For information on other Garnet varieties, select Garnet in the Gem Type field.

Properties: RI 1.810 HARDNESS 7-7.5 SPECIFIC GRAVITY4.15 SPECIES-SPESSARTITE OPTIC CHARACTER-SR
Reactions: Ultrasonic: Usually safe Steamer: Never Heat: Poor; may cause fracturing
Major Sources: Namibia
Grading Information
Enhancement Code: none
Specific Gravity: 4.15

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