WHAT IS MOZAMBIQUE GARNET?
Named after the South African country from where they were first discovered, Mozambique garnet is a beautiful gemstone, that often appears like a dark ruby. Believed to be the stone that illuminated Noah’s Ark, garnet is said to also be one of the gems in the Breastplate of Aaron. However, as the gemstone is sourced from a single place, the rarity of Mozambique garnet is undeniable.
A member of the garnet family, Mozambique garnet is famous for its breathtaking warm, deep red, ruby-like hues that rivals the glamorous ruby. While this garnet variety was originally discovered in Mozambique, a garnet necklace was unearthed in a grave dating back to 3000 BCE, emphasizing this gemstone's use in adornment for over 5,000 years!
A symbol of purity, truth, love and compassion, Mozambique garnet is a great choice for those who want to own a timeless beauty that will last for years to come.
Determining Mozambique Garnet Value
Is Mozambique 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 Mozambique garnet is worth. These guidelines will help you choose garnet stones for your collection.
- Mozambique Garnet Color
Mozambique garnet displays warm, deep red, ruby-like hues that rivals the beauty of ruby. It reminds us of an autumn harvest or Indian summer.
One of its most special qualities is its high refractive index. That's what gives this gemstone an exceptional brilliance. To the untrained eye they may look like dark rubies, but when light enters in, you will witness a vivid sparkle with wonderful bright red color and light.
When choosing Mozambique garnet, the stone’s color and inclusions are most important. A gemstone with higher color saturation and fewer inclusions is highly sought after and commands a higher price in today’s market.
- Mozambique Garnet Clarity
Mozambique garnet belongs to the Type II category of the GIA clarity grading system, which means it contains inclusive material. But due to its saturated and deep color, this gemstone appears eye clean when viewed without magnification.
Inclusions are accepted in this colorful gemstone. However, a large amount of inclusions decreases the value of the garnet gemstone.
- Mozambique Garnet Cut
The cut of Mozambique garnet depends on several factors. It needs to have the right color composition, and freeness from inclusions.
The gemstone is found in all standard cuts and shapes. This includes rounds, ovals, pears, squares, octagons, marquise, hearts, cushion, baguette, and trillion. Mozambique garnet can also be found in more unusual styles, such as checkerboard or even carved.
- Mozambique Garnet Carat
Mozambique garnet is found in small as well as big sizes. The value of the gemstone goes up significantly with size, especially in fine specimens. The size range of this gemstone at Shop LC is 3mm-4mm and 6mm-9mm in oval, round and trillion shapes.
Carat weight for this variety of garnet ranges from 2.5 carats to 6 carats. However, stones in larger size such as 10mm x 12mm are quite uncommon.
Mozambique Garnet Treatment
This gemstone does not undergo any known treatment.
Caring for Mozambique Garnet
Mozambique garnet measures 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It has fair to good toughness, which makes it a durable gemstone for daily use. However, the gem should be protected from extreme heat and steam cleaning. Also, the use of any harsh chemicals and cleaners should be avoided. It is safe to clean Mozambique garnet using ultrasonic cleaners.
Use warm, soapy water to clean the gemstone. After cleaning, rinse the gemstone in fresh water to remove all soapy residue and wipe the gemstone with a soft cloth to dry.
Wrap Mozambique garnet jewelry or gemstones in a soft cloth before storing them inside a fabric-lined storage box.
Who Can Wear Mozambique Garnet?
Anyone who desires luxurious appeal will appreciate the color of Mozambique garnet. Lovers of warm, ruby-like hues will want to add this gemstone to their collection. Consider Mozambique garnet jewelry if you love ruby, Niassa ruby, crimson fire opal, and other richly colored gemstones.
Its opulent ruby-like hues always have a place in seasonal color palettes, and Mozambique garnet is a gemstone you’ll want to wear all year long. The color of this gemstone makes it an ideal choice for different jewelry styles such as rings, pendants, earrings or brooches. It’s a perfect symbol of purity, truth, love and compassion that communicates a vivacious nature.
Also, garnet jewelry is an ideal gift choice for those celebrating their second wedding anniversary.
How Does Mozambique Garnet Compare to Other Red Stones?
Mozambique garnet is prized for displaying warm, deep red, ruby-like hues. Most frequently, this gemstone draws a comparison to almandine garnet, pyrope garnet and ruby that displays more intense red color.
Compared to other gemstones, Mozambique garnet has an extremely high refractive index and that's what gives the gemstone an exceptional brilliance.
Where Does Mozambique Garnet Come From?
Shop LC sources this garnet variety from the Cuamba Mine at Niassa Province, Republic of Mozambique. Located in Southeastern Africa, Cuamba Mine is an important supplier of high-quality raw mineral material.
Other locations where this variety of garnet is found are Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.
How is Mozambique Garnet Mined?
Mozambique garnet is mined from the Cuamba Mine, Republic of Mozambique. This colorful gemstone generally forms in metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and schist, and the gemstone must be extracted from its host rock first. This gemstone is carefully mined with traditional methods, using small tools like picks and shovels. These methods limit the availability of large quantities at any given point in time.
Mozambique is located at a geologically critical junction. Complex thermal and deformational events provided ideal temperature and pressure for the formation of ruby, garnet, gold and other minerals of economic importance. However, from an entire lot of garnet rough, only about 20-percent falls in the desired color range.
Mozambique Garnet Properties
What Does Mozambique Garnet Mean?
Many gem therapists view Mozambique garnet as a stone that enlightens the soul and gives wisdom. It is believed to bring vitality during the catabolic process and strengthens the memory. The color of the gemstone symbolizes purity, truth, love and compassion. It symbolizes constructiveness and brings hope to people.
Mozambique garnet is said to treat disturbed blood circulation and strengthen the heart. Just like other varieties of garnets, Mozambique garnet helps in lifting depression ridding people of bad dreams.
Disclaimer: Use of any stone or mineral is not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment, and nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information provided should not be used to treat any illness, injury, medical condition, or ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health professional.
Is Mozambique Garnet a Birthstone?
Garnet is the modern birthstone for January. With warm, deep red, ruby-like hues, Mozambique garnet is a welcome addition to this list. With the stone’s potential of displaying saturated color and pure single hue, Mozambique garnet birthstone jewelry is a unique spin on a classic gift.
Mozambique Garnet Facts
- Mozambique Garnet ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- Mozambique Garnet displays warm, deep red, ruby-like hues.
- Mozambique Garnet is sourced from the Cuamba Mine, Republic of Mozambique.
- Mozambique Garnet is natural and untreated.