Demantoid Garnets are one of the rarest and most highly prized varieties of garnets. This gemstone is known for its vibrant green color and incredible brilliance, which is why it is often referred to as the "emerald of the Ural Mountains." In this blog post, we will explore the history, characteristics, value, and care of Demantoid Garnets.

History of Demantoid Garnets

The discovery of Demantoid Garnets dates back to the late 1800s in the Ural Mountains of Russia. These gemstones were highly sought after by the Russian aristocracy due to their unique beauty and rarity. However, the supply of Demantoid Garnets was quickly depleted, and production ceased during the early 1900s. Today, Demantoid Garnets are mainly found in Russia, Madagascar, and Namibia.

Famous Demantoid Garnets throughout history include the 20-carat Demantoid from the Smithsonian Institution, the 17.42-carat Russian Demantoid from the American Museum of Natural History, and the 29.84-carat Demantoid from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.

Characteristics of Demantoid Garnets

Demantoid Garnets are a variety of Andradite garnets and are known for their high refractive index, which gives them incredible brilliance and fire. Their color ranges from a yellowish-green to a brownish-green hue, and they often have inclusions called "horsetails" that give them a unique appearance. Demantoid Garnets have a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5-7.5, which makes them durable enough for use in jewelry.

Demantoid Garnet Jewelry

Demantoid Garnets are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts for their beauty and rarity. They are often used as the center stone in engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The most popular designs featuring Demantoid Garnets are vintage and antique pieces, as they were mainly produced during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

When purchasing Demantoid Garnet jewelry, it is important to consider the quality of the stone. Look for gems with a bright, saturated green color and minimal inclusions. A high-quality Demantoid Garnet can be quite expensive, so it is important to purchase from a reputable dealer and obtain certification from a gemological laboratory.

Mineralogical Character of Demantoid Garnets

Demantoid garnets are a type of andradite garnet, which is a mineral group within the larger garnet family. Andradite garnets are calcium-iron-silicate minerals that have a unique crystal structure, which gives them their characteristic physical and optical properties.

Demantoid garnets are typically green in color, ranging from a yellowish-green to a deep forest green, and owe their color to the presence of chromium and iron in their crystal structure. They are also known for their high refractive index, which gives them a unique brilliance and fire. In fact, demantoid garnets have one of the highest refractive indices of all gemstones, which makes them highly prized by collectors and gem enthusiasts.

The crystal structure of andradite garnets is composed of a series of interconnected tetrahedrons, which form a complex 3-dimensional lattice. This structure gives andradite garnets their unique physical properties, such as their high density, hardness, and refractive index. It also makes them highly resistant to chemical weathering and erosion, which is why they are often found in placer deposits or alluvial gravels.

Demantoid garnets have a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7.5, which makes them suitable for use in jewelry, but also means they are susceptible to scratches and chipping if not handled with care. They have a specific gravity of 3.8-4.3, which is higher than most other gemstones, and a refractive index of 1.89-1.94, which is one of the highest of all gemstones. They also have a birefringence of 0.057, which contributes to their unique optical properties.

In terms of their crystal structure, demantoid garnets belong to the isometric system, which means they have a symmetrical, cubic structure. This gives them a distinctive crystal shape, with well-defined facets and sharp edges. Demantoid garnets can occur in a variety of crystal habits, including dodecahedral, trapezohedral, and rhombic dodecahedral.

Overall, demantoid garnets are a fascinating and highly prized member of the garnet family. Their unique mineralogy and physical properties make them a sought-after gemstone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

Value and Rarity of Demantoid Garnets

Due to their rarity and unique beauty, Demantoid Garnets can be quite valuable. The value of a Demantoid Garnet is determined by its size, color, clarity, and origin. Russian Demantoids are the most highly prized due to their scarcity and historical significance. Madagascar and Namibian Demantoids are more readily available, but still highly sought after by collectors.

Compared to other green gemstones like emeralds and tsavorites, Demantoid Garnets are considered to be more rare and valuable. However, their value can fluctuate depending on market demand and supply.

Care and Maintenance of Demantoid Garnets

To keep your Demantoid Garnet jewelry looking its best, it is important to take proper care and maintenance. Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as this can damage the gemstone. To clean your Demantoid Garnet jewelry, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as they can damage the stone.

When storing your Demantoid Garnet jewelry, keep it separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching or chipping. It is also recommended to store it in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent dust and dirt buildup.