Gemstone guide
/quality=85)
What is Spessartite Garnet?
Spessartite Garnet is the spessartite variety of garnet, coloured by manganese. A guide to the gem, and to buying one well.
About Spessartite Garnet
01- Species
- Garnet
- Variety
- Spessartite
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7.5
- Refractive index
- 1.78 - 1.80
- Colour caused by
- Manganese
Spessartite garnet, an exquisite member of the garnet family, is celebrated for its vibrant hues and remarkable brilliance. This gemstone, with origins spanning Africa, Nigeria, Burma, Namibia, and Tanzania, captivates with its spectrum of orange, red, and purple tones. The allure of spessartite lies in its vivid colouration, often likened to the effervescent hue of Fanta, making it a sought-after choice for connoisseurs of fine jewellery.
Esteemed for its natural beauty, spessartite garnet is typically found unheated, preserving its innate charm. The value of these gemstones is driven by their colour intensity, clarity, and the precision of their cut, ranging from fine step cuts to the elegant Asscher cut. Prices begin from around $85 per carat, reflecting the gemstone's rarity and desirability. Many stones are accompanied by certification from renowned laboratories such as GIA and GIT, ensuring the authenticity and quality of your selection.
Judging quality
02What drives the value
- Color intensity
- Clarity
- Size
- Origin
What to watch for when buying
- Overpaying for low-quality stones
- Confusing with other garnet varieties
- Assuming all spessartite garnets are heated
Inclusions you may see
- Tiny crystals
- Feathery inclusions
- Color zoning
Origin, treatment and trade names
03Where it comes from
TreatmentAs disclosed for the stones we sell; every listing states its own.
Trade names
Price per carat
04- Typical price
- $197 per carat
- Most stones
- $86–$487 per carat
- Based on
- 242 stones in our stock, updated weekly. Spessartite Garnet prices by carat size →
From our stock
05
From the journal
06
Frequently Asked Questions
07Where do spessartite garnets come from?
+
Spessartite garnets in our collection originate from Africa, Nigeria, Burma, Namibia, and Tanzania, each location contributing unique characteristics to the gemstone.
Are spessartite garnets treated?
+
The spessartite garnets we offer are unheated, showcasing their natural and unenhanced beauty.
What determines the value of a spessartite garnet?
+
The value of spessartite garnet is primarily determined by its colour intensity, clarity, and quality of cut. Vibrant hues and high clarity are particularly prized.
How should I choose a spessartite garnet?
+
When selecting a spessartite garnet, consider the richness of its colour, the clarity grade, and the craftsmanship of the cut. Each of these factors contributes to the gemstone's aesthetic appeal and value.
Are spessartite garnets certified?
+
Many of our spessartite garnets come with certification from respected laboratories such as GIA and GIT. Certification is available on request for any stone.
Shop
Spessartite Garnet
Every stone shows its own price, weight, origin and treatment. Browse our spessartite garnet, or contact our team for personal help choosing one.