Gemstone guide
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What is Umbalite Garnet?
Umbalite Garnet is the umbalite variety of garnet, coloured by presence of manganese. A guide to the gem, and to buying one well.
About Umbalite Garnet
01- Species
- Garnet
- Variety
- Umbalite
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7.5
- Refractive index
- 1.74 - 1.76
- Colour caused by
- Presence of manganese
Umbalite Garnet is a captivating gemstone that enchants with its vivid purple hues and exceptional clarity. This rare variety of garnet is found primarily in Africa, with notable origins in Tanzania and Mozambique. Umbalite Garnets are celebrated for their natural beauty, as they are unheated and untreated, showcasing the gem's inherent allure. The value of an Umbalite Garnet is driven by its rich colour, clarity, and the precision of its cut, with prices starting from around $58 per carat.
Each Umbalite Garnet is a unique masterpiece, often crafted into exquisite cuts such as Fine Step Cut, Emerald Cut, and Brilliant Diamond Cut, or shaped into smooth cabochons. While many of these stones are accompanied by a laboratory certificate, certification is available on request for any stone, ensuring the utmost confidence in your selection. The renowned AIGS lab is among the certifying bodies for these exceptional gems.
Judging quality
02What drives the value
- Color saturation
- Clarity
- Cut quality
What to watch for when buying
- Overpaying for lower clarity stones
- Misunderstanding the significance of carat weight versus appearance
Inclusions you may see
- Minor inclusions visible under magnification
- Silk-like inclusions
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
- $116 per carat
- Most stones
- $80–$161 per carat
- Based on
- 84 stones in our stock, updated weekly. Umbalite Garnet prices by carat size →
From our stock
05
Frequently Asked Questions
06Where do Umbalite Garnets come from?
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Umbalite Garnets primarily originate from Africa, with significant sources in Tanzania and Mozambique.
Are Umbalite Garnets treated?
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Umbalite Garnets are unheated and untreated, showcasing their natural beauty and vivid colour.
What drives the value of an Umbalite Garnet?
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The value of an Umbalite Garnet is driven by its vivid purple colour, exceptional clarity, and the precision of its cut.
How should I choose an Umbalite Garnet?
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When choosing an Umbalite Garnet, consider the richness of its colour, clarity, and the craftsmanship of its cut to ensure a truly exquisite piece.
Is certification available for Umbalite Garnets?
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Many Umbalite Garnets are accompanied by a laboratory certificate, and certification is available on request for any stone, with AIGS as one of the certifying labs.
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Umbalite Garnet
Every stone shows its own price, weight, origin and treatment. Browse our umbalite garnet, or contact our team for personal help choosing one.