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 What does Garnet have in common with Tourmaline,
Sapphire and Spinel? Like these gemstones, Garnet comes in a
rainbow of colors. Popularly known as the birthstone for January,
Garnets have a surprising range of appearance and affordability.
Red Garnets
When we think of Garnet gemstones, deep, pomegranate red is the
classic color that comes to mind. In fact, the word Garnet comes
from the Latin term for pomegranate, "Malum Granatum."
The red group of garnets, ranging in tone from pinkish cranberry
to deep violet red actually are made up of three varieties of
the stone. Almandine is the most popular red garnet. Its deep
cranberry to blackish-red appearance results from the presence
of iron. Pyrope gets its cherry color from chromium, and is usually
small in size. Unlike Almandine, Pyrope does not have any brown
undertones. The Rhodolite variety of Garnet is the best of both
worlds. It is a mixed stone, containing both Almandine and Pyrope.
The resulting color is typically a beautiful raspberry tone.
Rhodolite Garnets are usually quite affordable and less expensive
strands are often dyed to enhance their appearance. Because of
this, it is a good idea to soak red garnet beads in room temperature
water to remove any excess dye before making them into jewelry.
 Grossular Garnets
Grossular Garnets comprise a large variety of stones that range
in color from green to yellow and brown, as well as more rare
pink and blue varieties. Green Grossular Garnet is a very affordable
stone which resembles jade. Like jade, it is usually a semi-opaque
stone and is light mossy green to dark olive in color. Unlike
its more expensive relatives, Green Garnet often comes in nice
large pieces and fun shapes, suitable for chunky necklaces or
pendants.
Tsavorite Garnet, on the opposite
end of the green spectrum gets its name from the Tsavo River
in Kenya, where this stunning emerald-like stone is primarily
found. At first glance, Tsavorite and Emerald are often very
difficult to distinguish from each other. Although it can be
on the pricey side, Tsavorite Garnet can be an affordable alternative
for an Emerald lover.
Hessonite Garnet is a fantastic
choice to compliment today's popular brown fashions. The warm
cinnamon hues of Hessonite complement a wide range of skin tones.
Usually found in smaller cuts, such as rondelles, Hessonite can
be an inexpensive, yet beautiful addition to your bead wardrobe.
Spessartine Garnet
  Spessartine
Garnets are not often recognized by most beaders and jewelry
collectors. The orange hues of Spessartine are derived from the
presence of iron. Mandarin Garnet, a fantastic variety from Africa,
ranges in color from light orange to deep, reddish orange. Only
a few deposits of Mandarin Garnet have been found since its introduction
in the early 1990's, making it a rare and very collectible gem.
Andradite Garnets
Andradite Garnets contain some lesser known and sometimes rare
specimens. Demantoid is a brilliant, emerald green stone that
typically has hairlike "horsetail" inclusions of asbestos.
 Uvarovite, from the Ural Mountains in
Russia has an astonishing vibrant green color from its chromium
content. Since Uvarovite is brittle when faceted, it is typically
found in a natural sugar-like crystal "Drusy" form
as pendants.
At the darkest end of the Garnet
color spectrum is Melanite. Melanite is a black opaque stone
similar to Onyx, but with a brilliant metallic luster such as
that found in Hematite.
The next time you are shopping
at Beadworks, take a closer look at the semi precious stones.
You may be surprised how many Garnets catch your eye!
Sources:
Gems: a lively guide for the casual collector; Daniel J. Dennis,
Jr.; ©1999
Smithsonian Handbooks: Gemstones; Cally Hall; @1994, 2002 DK
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