Garnet

About

Garnet Crystals Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that share a common crystal structure but vary widely in chemical composition and color. While most people associate garnet with deep red, the group includes orange spessartine, green tsavorite, purple rhodolite, and even color-changing varieties. The most common gem-quality garnets are almandine (deep red, iron-rich) and pyrope (purplish-red, magnesium-rich). All garnets crystallize in the cubic system and rate 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale. Garnet has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans carved it into jewelry and intaglios. The name comes from the Latin granatum (pomegranate) because the red crystals resemble pomegranate seeds. It is the traditional January birthstone recognized by both the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America. Available forms include raw specimens, tumbled stones, palm stones, and bracelets . For other red and warm-toned stones, see our carnelian and rhodonite collections. Browse crystal jewelry for garnet pendants and rings. For collector-grade specimens, visit the Collector's Edition . Free shipping on orders $150+. Frequently Asked Questions What colors does garnet come in? Garnet comes in virtually every color except blue. Red (almandine, pyrope), orange (spessartine), green (tsavorite, demantoid), purple-pink (rhodolite), yellow-green (grossular), and even color-changing varieties exist. The deep red varieties are most common and recognized. Where does garnet come from? Major sources include India and Sri Lanka (almandine), East Africa — Tanzania and Kenya (tsavorite, rhodolite), Mozambique (rhodolite, spessartine), Madagascar, and Russia (demantoid from the Ural Mountains). The United States has deposits in Idaho, New York, and North Carolina. Is garnet a January birthstone? Yes. Garnet is the traditional and modern birthstone for January, a designation recognized by both the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of Ame