WHAT IS DEMANTOID GARNET?
You might have seen a lot of green gemstones, but never one like this! Carefully turning Demantoid Garnet in your hands, you will observe the mesmerizing fresh spring color that makes this stone famous. A beautiful member of the andradite garnet group, Demantoid Garnet is renowned for displaying an intense shade of green that captures the essence of renewal.
Determining Demantoid Garnet Value
Is Demantoid Garnet valuable? The value of colored stones is typically determined by a combination of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This is no different when determining what Demantoid Garnet is worth. These guidelines will help you choose garnet stones for your collection.
- Demantoid Garnet Color
The color of Demantoid Garnet ranges from intense green to yellow-green. It brilliantly reminds us of new spring grass. The presence of chromium creates the green hue in Demantoid Garnet. In some specimens, ferric iron may add traces of yellow. Also, light dispersion is high, so its flashes of rainbow color can be noticeable, especially in lighter-colored stones.
- Demantoid Garnet Clarity
Demantoid Garnet is a transparent gemstone with vitreous to resinous luster. It belongs to the Type II category of GIA clarity grading system, which implies that the stone contains inclusions. Under the microscope, it displays inclusions that are known as "horsetails." They are wisps of long, golden, fiber-like inclusions that radiate from a central point. These delicate wisps are quite beautiful and can increase the value of the gem.
However, a large amount of inclusions decreases the value of the Demantoid Garnet gemstone, chiefly when it affects the color.
- Demantoid Garnet Cut
Due to limited availability and small size of the gemstone, Demantoid Garnet is available in limited shapes. Cuts such as round, oval, and pear are widespread. They are typically faceted to maximize the brilliance of the stone. Cutters must carefully position these gems so that the stone displays the best face-up color.
- Demantoid Garnet Carat
The standard size of Demantoid Garnet stones from Shop LC start around three millimeters in round shapes, with oval jewels going up to roughly 7x5 mm. Carat weight of finished stones ranges from approximately 20 points to 2.5 carats.
The price per carat tends to increase dramatically with larger stones. Demantoid Garnet in higher carat weights is simply rare to find and therefore command higher prices.
Demantoid Garnet Treatment
Demantoid Garnet may rarely undergo mild heat treatment to improve its color.
Caring for Demantoid Garnet
Demantoid Garnet measures 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It has fair to good toughness, which makes it a durable gemstone for daily use. However, be sure to protect this gemstone from harsh household chemicals and prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for this gem. Do not use steam cleaners.
Instead, use warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to clean the gemstone. After scrubbing, rinse the gem in fresh water to remove all soapy residue and wipe the gemstone with a soft cloth to dry.
Wrap your Demantoid Garnet jewelry in a soft cloth for storage. A fabric-lined storage box is ideal for this purpose. With proper care, it will last for years of enjoyment.
Who Can Wear Demantoid Garnet?
Garnet's durability makes it an ideal choice for most jewelry types. Its inspiring tones are the perfect complement to the stunning colors of Spring and Autumn fashion.
These refreshing green hues flatter everyone, regardless of skin tone or style. Just like emerald, the saturated green hues of Demantoid Garnet make yellow gold a preferred setting choice.
Garnet jewelry is the traditional gift for those celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary.
How Does Demantoid Garnet Compare to Other Green Stones?
The captivating charm of this gem rivals the beauty and price of emerald, green sapphire, and Tsavorite Garnet because they are transparent, have a vitreous luster and refreshing green in color.
If you love intense color with high transparency, then Demantoid Garnet is a good option for you!
Where Does Demantoid Garnet Come From?
Demantoid Garnet occurs in mines near Ambanja City, Madagascar. The area is a famous mining locality, well-known around the world for producing sapphires and garnets. This unique blend of garnet isn't known to occur anywhere else in the world.
DUnfortunately, irregular mining practices have kept the supply entering the market limited for many years. Since October 2009, authorities have brought the situation under control. At times, however, the area is still considered dangerous.
How is Demantoid Garnet Mined?
The Demantoid Garnet deposits exist in the Ant Sira Nana region of Northern Madagascar, 2.5 kilometers west of the village of Antetezambato. Deposits feature isolated and broken crystals of Demantoid Garnet and gemstone bearing skarn veins, between fractures of sandstone and limestone rocks.
Most of the mining takes place within a mangrove swamp that is subject to daily tidal flooding. Open pits are drilled and dug 5 to 20 meters deep to reach the gemstone deposits. Small-scale mining and large-scale operations have become very difficult and unproductive, mostly because of the daily tidal flooding.
Since April 2010 the extraction of this gemstone has diminished. Mainly because of the difficulty and danger of continued mining as seawater infiltrates the pits and tunnels during high tide.
Currently, the tunnels reach a depth of no more than 5–20 meters. It is reasonable to speculate that workers are reaching only a small percentage of the total deposit. Vast reserves of Demantoid Garnet are possible at other areas of the deposit, as most of the garnet-rich veins dip steeply and occur over an area of several hectares.
Demantoid Garnet Properties
What Does Demantoid Garnet Mean?
According to legend, garnet is believed to protect children from drowning and was thought to be a potent anecdote against poison. Many gem therapists view Demantoid Garnet as a stone of stability and balance, promoting self-confidence and self-esteem. They believe it brings us emotional strength and enhances memory.
Garnet has a reputation as a traveler's stone. It is also said to boost creativity, perception, and business acumen. For this reason, ancient explorers and travelers wore garnets as an amulet to inspire success in commerce and ensure safe journeys. Many consider it to be a powerful talisman, capable of illuminating the night and dispelling evil spirits.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. These remedies, approaches, and techniques are not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat any ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.
Is Demantoid Garnet a Birthstone?
Garnet is the official modern birthstone for January. With a color range from intense green to yellow-green range, the beauty of Demantoid Garnet makes it something a little different from traditional red garnet.
Demantoid Garnet Facts
- Demantoid garnet ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- This variety of garnet is known for its intense green to yellow-green hues.
- Shop LC sources our supply of Demantoid Garnet from the mines near Ambanja City, Madagascar.
- Demantoid Garnet may undergo mild heat treatment to improve its color.
- Another name for Demantoid Garnet is green garnet.