Synthetic Garnet: Its Meaning, Value, And Benefits
Synthetic garnet is one of the most incredibly popular glittering gemstones found in the market. However, common is not equal to boring, as you will find out later in the blog!
There are a number of minerals called garnet. This mineral group will make the stone diverse and helps in achieving a wide range of orange and red colors. These stones have certainly stood the test of time since they have been around for almost 5000 years. They are commonly used in crafting jewelry and are often mistaken for rubies.
A garnet possesses a gorgeous glassy glow making it look so attractive and glamorous. The name ‘garnet’ is derived from the Latin word ‘granatus’, meaning seed, due to the stone’s similarity to the small round seeds of a pomegranate.
While it is commonly believed that the color of the garnet is red, some authentic garnet stones can also be orange, deep brown, pink, and purple-red.
Where Can You Find Synthetic Garnet?
Due to its abundant nature and worldwide availability, synthetic garnet is available in various forms and varieties. At present, these gems come from India, Sri Lanka, the USA, and Brazil. However, in the past, they were mined on almost every continent.
Value Of The Garnet Stone
While considering the worth of any gem, there are various factors you need to take into account. The value of the garnet is dependent on various aspects such as:
- The carat of the stone – It means how much is the weight of the stone and not how big it appears.
- The hue of the stone – The value of the stone increases with the vibrancy of the gem and how close it is to spectral red.
- The color of the stone is enhanced by its brilliant cut. One can ensure the brilliance of the stone when the facets line up.
The value of the garnet stones can vary dramatically as they are available in so many different colors. With inclusions, you can buy garnet stones for around $500 per carat. It can cost as much as $7000 per carat for large, clean stones. The most expensive garnet is known as Demantoid, and its price is placed at the top of the spectrum.
Also, Know more about A Brief History Of The Rhodolite Gemstone
Formation Of The Garnet Stone
The word ‘garnet’ refers to the mineral group including:
- Grossular
- Almandine
- Mozambique
- Pyrope
- Andradite
- Spessartine
- Uvarovite
Several types of rocks contain them, including igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks. Also, they are available in volcanic eruptions, magma chambers, and lava flows. It is also available in the soil formed when rocks having a garnet break down into smaller pieces.
Do not miss out on Benefits of Rose Quartz to know more about such crystals and gemstones.
How To Identify Synthetic Garnet?
The synthetic garnet identification process is not that difficult. Its brilliant and beautiful color makes it highly desirable and one of the most popular gemstones.
There are many ways in which you can tell whether garnet is synthetic or not. Let us find out how.
- Garnets are popular for their saturated and dense colors. The presence of horsetail inclusion in demantoid garnet helps in the identification of the real garnet. The intensity of the color, such as brighter, lighter, or more colorful, will help identify the stone. Always make sure to notice the richness of the garnet stone.
- The main USP of the stone is its exquisite brilliance. You can take the following steps in the identification of the stone.
- Put the stone near your eyes.
- Using a lamp, for instance, try to look at a distant light source through the stone. The light’s reflection should be visible in the inner wall of the stone.
- Look through it again by turning the stone on its axis again. Due to reflection, a rainbow pattern will be visible.
This is probably one of the best methods if you wonder how you can tell if garnet is synthetic.
- The clarity of the garnet is dependent on its variations. Generally, red garnets are eye-clean except for the almandine garnet, which has asbestos fiber inclusions that give off a star-like effect. Also, orange garnets usually have too many inclusions. Always remember when buying a garnet- orange gemstone has too many impurities, while red ones are eye-clean.
- The optical features of garnet stones are isotropic in nature. You can check it out with a polariscope with your gemologist. The garnet would always appear dark under the polariscope.
For those who enjoy a little fire or flair in their lives, garnet stones are an excellent choice.
