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Ready to ShipGarnet stones are a type of silicate mineral that exist in diverse types. Although they are well-known to exist as red stones, they also have varieties that come in an array of colors and are used for different purposes, including changing colors. Below is a discussion of the various types of garnet stones:
Almandine is considered the most common type of garnet stone. It is categorized under the pyrope garnet group and is characterized by a dark red color, often with a slight purple tint. It is widely used in making jewelry, thanks to its durable nature, which also makes it ideal for industrial applications, including sandpaper and water jet cutting.
Like almandine, pyrope garnet also belongs to the same group as almandine, and it also commonly comes in deep red shades. Due to its intense color, it is normally used to make gemstones in jewelry. Often, the stone is combined with other precious metals, like gold or silver, to increase its value and make more elegant pieces of jewelry.
The spessartine variety of garnet is characterized by an orange to mandarin orange color. Spessartine garnets belong to the pyrope group and contain manganese instead of iron as a vital component. This variety has grown in popularity in the gemstone market due to its vibrant color.
Andradite is a complex variety of garnet that belongs to the grandite family. It normally occurs in a range of colors, including yellow, green, and brown. The most common types of andradite garnets include topazolite, which is brownish yellow, and demantoid, which is green. Demantoid, which contains chromium, is regarded as one of the most valuable garnet varieties because of its rarity and vibrant color.
Grossular garnet is regarded as a calcium-aluminum garnet variety. It is also classified under the andradite group and comes in a range of colors, from colorless to green, yellow, and reddish-brown. One of the well-known grossular varieties is tsavorite, which is a vivid green garnet, hence making it popular in the jewelry industry.
Garnet stones have a strong level of hardness, which makes them suitable for use in different applications ranging from simple jewelry to even industrial uses. Below is a discussion of the durability and material composition of garnet stones:
Silicate minerals
Garnets are natural silicate minerals. This means their chemical composition consists of silica, which is silicon dioxide. The stones are primarily made of a group of minerals that share a common crystal structure.
Chromium is often present in certain garnet varieties like andradite and demantoid. While chromium is not one of the major components of garnet, its presence is what leads to the diverse color variation seen in these types. It is responsible for the rarity and value of these varieties.
Iron
Iron is a significant component of many garnet species, including almandine, pyrope, and spessartine. Iron contributes to the red colors of these garnets, especially when used in almandine and pyrope.
Calcium is found in grossular garnet and andradite. It normally replaces one of the metals in the garnet structure, which helps stabilize the crystal lattice.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a major constituent of all garnet species. Each aluminum atom in the garnet stone coordinates with four oxygen atoms, creating a tetrahedral structure. The role of the aluminum atom is to maintain the integrity of the garnet’s unique crystal structure.
Manganese
Manganese is found in some garnet varieties, like spessartine and tsavorite, where it partially replaces iron or calcium. It is responsible for the brilliant color of spessartine garnets.
Garnets have different hardness levels, which depend on the type of the stone. However, generally, garnet stones have a hardness level of between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This level of hardness allows them to ensure enough durability for regular wear, especially in jewelry. For this reason, they are suitable for rings, necklaces, earrings, and other items that their users expect to wear regularly.
In addition, the strong nature of garnets makes them resistant to scratching and wear. This property makes them ideal for use in applications beyond jewelry, including industrial abrasive garnet powder. In this case, the stones are used for cutting, polishing, and grinding materials.
Moreover, while garnets are durable, they still require some level of care. Depending on the type of garnet, certain varieties can be more fragile. For instance, the variety can be more fragile when exposed to harsh chemicals or intense heat. Also, although garnet stones don't have to be cleaned frequently, when they are cleaned, they should be done carefully using a soft cloth and mild soap. This gently washing helps maintain their shine and color for a long time.
Garnet stones are used in many jewelry items, ranging from necklaces to earrings and rings. The jewelry, designed mainly for women, comes in various styles and settings, highlighting the deep red and vibrant colors of the garnet stones. Below is an elaboration of the different jewelry items that incorporate garnet stones:
Garnet stone necklaces are designed to vary in length, from choker to pendant and even longer styles. Many of the garnet necklaces are made of multiple garnet stones strung together in a simple design. However, there are also intricicate designs where one large garnet is garnet is set within a more complex metalwork. This intricate work often involves gold, which enhances the richness and beauty of the stone.
Depending on their preference, women can find garnet earrings that come in both simple and complex designs. The solitaires are often inlaid on the earring and are typically surrounded by other stones, creating a simple but classy drop or chandelier earring design. In other cases, the garnet can be used to make more intricate designs, like floral or geometric patterns, where the garnets are shaped and come in different colors.
Rings are one of the most popular garnets stone jewelry items. In garnet rings, the garnet is typically inlaid into the ring and surrounded by other precious materials or stones. Some garnet rings are designed in a way that the stone is tightly secured, making it ideal for customers who want to wear the ring daily.
Garnet bracelets range from simple bead designs to more intricate pieces that feature garnet stones inlaid within a silver or gold metal framework. The natural shape of the stones also gives rough bracelets a unique look that is appealing to some customers.
When buying garnet stones, business owners need to be knowledgeable about essential factors that will help them select high-quality stones for their customers. Here are the key points they have to consider:
In garnet stones, color is one of the critical factors that influence their value. Although garnets are well-known for being red, they can also be a variety of colors, including orange, purple, and green. For instance, pyrope garnets are deeply red, while grossular garnets can be green or yellow. Business owners should also be aware that customers purchasing garnets for jewelry are mainly seeking stones with a vibrant, rich color that is eye-catching.
Most garnet stones come with some level of inclusions. However, for gemstones used in jewelry pieces, buyers should look for clear garnets with minimal inclusions to satisfy the customer. In this case, if customers request stones with inclusions for specific purposes, wholesalers can provide them with such types of stones.
Ideally, garnet stones are cut and shaped depending on the type of jewelry they are to be used in and the variety of garnet. For instance, a garnet used in earrings or pendants will likely be in a different shape or cut than that used in rings. Each cut is meant to maximize the stone's beauty and brilliance. Therefore, buyers should ensure they order stones of different cuts to cater to the various customers' needs.
In recent years, consumers have become more aware of buying ethically sourced and natural gemstones. Because of this, buyers need to ensure they purchase garnets that are certified. The certification will help provide useful information like the type of garnet and its authenticity, which will help them market the stone to their customers more effectively.
Yes. Because of their strong nature, garnet stones serve well even for rings that will be worn daily, including engagement rings. In addition, they have a hardness level that prevents them from scratching easily, allowing them to have a long-lasting look. On the other hand, garnets are rarely used for wedding rings because they are too soft for such rings. This is because wedding rings are worn daily, so they require a stone that is hard enough to withstand daily wear.
Although some garnet rings can be designed to turn color, the stones are naturally stable, and therefore, they do not change color. However, depending on the type of environmental factor, such as light, temperature, and angle of view, some garnet stones may appear to have color-changing properties. For example, under incandescent light, a garnet which is normally red will appear purplish red.
Yes, garnets are considered a durable stone. They normally have a hardness level that ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This level allows them to be suitable for many items, especially those that are worn daily, like necklaces and earrings. In addition, while garnets are durable, they do require some level of care. Depending on the type of garnet, certain varieties can be more fragile. For instance, the variety can be more fragile when exposed to harsh chemicals or intense heat.
Although there are several varieties of garnets, they all come with hardness levels ranging between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This range of hardness enables them to be used in multiple applications, including industrial uses. Besides, the hardness level allows them to be low-maintenance jewelry. For instance, they do not easily scratch, nor do they undergo frequent polishing.
Yes, garnets can be used in wedding jewelry. Normally, they are used in this jewelry when the buyer is looking for an affordable alternative to other precious stones like diamonds or sapphires. Moreover, garnet stones hold a sentimental value to some people, and they represent love and devotion.
