Learn more about demantoid garnet
Demantoid Garnet is one of the rarest garnet varieties. It can be found in a green color vibrant enough to rival emeralds. They are highly prized stones for gem collectors, jewelers and jewelry enthusiasts.
Gemstone Attributes
Mineral | Garnet Andradite |
---|---|
Chemistry | Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 |
Color | Pale Yellow - Vivid Green |
Refractive Index | 1.881 - 1.888 |
Birefringence | 0.018 - 0.040 |
Specific Gravity | 3.82 - 3.88 |
Mohs Hardness | 6.5 - 7.5 |
Demantoid Value
Despite the discovery of new sources of Demantoid during the 1990’s the stone still remains very rare. Is it the most valuable of the garnet family as well as the most well-known andradite garnet. A clean facetable stone can command a high price per carat. However, the stones collectors seek out the most are demantoids with horsetail inclusions, wavy golden and fibrous inclusion.
Colors
Demantoid garnet are famous for their moss green color to vibrant neon green color or sometimes Yellowish Green as well. They are similar to Tsavorite garnet but the dispersion of color in demantoid which is sometimes called "play of color" is better and more loved for than tsavorite. Especially the russian demantoids have a great color play and are the most famous demantoid origin.
Demantoid Sources
As we mentioned earlier, Russia was the only source for demantoids for a long time. Notable gem sources include the Ural Mountains region, the Koryakskoe plateau, and the Kola Peninsula.
Since 1996 and 2009, respectively, Namibia and Madagascar have become important sources.
In Italy, Ala, Piedmont produces dark, apple-green material. Val Malenco, Sondrio Province also produces demantoid.
Other notable sources include:
- Africa - Namibia Demantoids
- Russian Demantoids
DEMANTOID Properties
Demantoid was discovered in Russia in the early 19th century. In 1854, mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld recognized this gemstone as a variety of Andradite garnet. The gemstones had exceptional brilliance and a dispersion which inspired the mineralogist to name them after their ‘diamond-like’ appearance, giving birth to the name Demantoid.
The truth is that demantoids have greater brilliance and a higher dispersion than diamond as well as other well-known green gemstones, like emerald and peridot for example. The dark colors of their body may mask dispersion, smaller demantoids with lighter colors and hues are dazzling under natural light.
The gemstone was very popular during the Belle Époque period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was most popular in Art Nouveau jewelry and was highly favored by the Russian Czars.
For a long period of time, Russia was the only source for these garnets. Supplies soon began to run low and the gems were usually only seen in antique pieces of jewelry. However, since the 1990’s sources have been discovered in Namibia, Madagascar and other sites. The Russian mining has also been renewed and Demantoid Garnet are available again today. However, in the modern-day market, they are expensive stones because they are highly desirable.
CHARECTERISTICS : HORSE TAIL
Horsetail inclusions of byssolite or chrysotile, usually with a golden color, obtain their name because of their long, wavy appearance. These inclusions have long been considered diagnostic for identifying demantoids. However, a study in 2018, found horsetail inclusions in non-demantoid (brown) andradite. Thus, while horsetails are a good identifying characteristic, it isn’t sufficient, as other stones also have horsetail inclusions and not all demantoids have them.
Demantoids may looks similar to emeralds in color and appearance, however, the optical and physical properties of both stones differ greatly. Demantoids have greater dispersion and no birefringence.
Demantoid Garnet Care
Garnets have a hardness of 7-7.5 and no cleavage, which makes them durable gemstones. They are suitable for any kind of jewelry, from every day use to engagement rings.
To clean them, use warm soapy water and a cloth. Avoid chemicals and other cleaning methods.