Gems closer to a pure spessartite content have a light orange color. Mandarin garnets have the highest percentage composition of spessartite (85-95% mol) and have vivid orange colors. HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Spessartine and other colored garnet-group minerals were among the first crystals ever used as gemstones. Spessartite, from sources other than that listed below 2. However, as blends with other garnet species, they include popular mandarin and malaya garnets as well as color change gems. Be aware, however, that the term “spessartite” is used to refer to a type of lamprophyre igneous rock also named after the Spessart Mountains of Germany. Used with permission. Alternative Title: spessartite. However upon detailed inspection, its lace or feather-like inclusions make spessartine distinguishable. 14k gold bracelet with approximately 55-ctw oval-cut spessartites and 3.75-ctw diamonds. The main locations that this gem is mined are Sri Lanka, Brazil, Australia, Burma and India. In addition, synthetic garnets such as yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) can be created in almost any color, including orange and reddish orange, and could serve as spessartite simulants. Usually orange to reddish brown, gem-quality spessartite or spessartine garnets are somewhat rare. Used with permission. It has a body made from an old-cut diamond and oval spessartite, tsavorites for eyes, single-cut diamonds for wings, and a split pearl terminal bar. Because of its bright orange color, it is also known as Mandarin garnet. Garnet is the traditional birthstone of January, and Spessartine is a natural birthstone for many born from mid-summer to mid-autumn. “Aurora red,” a highly saturated reddish orange hue with medium to medium-dark tone, is also a prized color for spessartites. The garnet group can be classified into two primary classes; pyrospites (aluminum) and ugandites (calcium) garnets. The susceptibility ranges of these 2 species do not overlap, with Spessartine having the highest range of any Garnet species. SPESSARTINE. Spessartite-Kashmirine, from the Pakistan side of Kashmir Spessartite-Mandarin usually has the most pure hue of orange, and consequently is usually the most expensive. Most spessartine garnets are mined in typically gemmy places such as Brazil, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Demantoid Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Andradite Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Mandarin Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Tsavorite Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Red and More: Choosing Garnet Engagement Ring Stones, Almandine Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Hessonite Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Grossular Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Uvarovite Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Malaya or Malaia Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Mali Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information, Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information. [2][3] It occurs most often in granite pegmatite[2][3][4] and allied rock types and in certain low-grade metamorphic phyllites. spessartine) is derived from Spessart, in N.W. Spessartines are found in bedrock in the highlands in the Sahatany valley. The spessartite garnets are also mined in Pakistan, Madagascar, Kenya, Virginia and California. As the rare variety among the garnet group, Spessartine is also regarded as the sun garnet. Bavaria, Germany. Its energy radiates in shades of dark gold, orange, deep red. The International Gem Society (IGS) has a list of businesses offering Spessartine is the manganese-aluminum variety of Garnet, belonging to its sub-group of aluminum garnets. (2012). In granite pegmatites; also gneiss, quartzite and rhyolite, and sometimes as a component in skarns. → Buy Spessartine Garnet at Ebay. Instead, they are usually a mix. Either term is acceptable when referring to these garnets. Used with permission. Our moonstone buying guide can help you pick one perfect for…, Some household products and do-it-yourself methods can clean jewelry safely and save you money. Gemstones - Spessartite Garnet "Is it any wonder that we were quoted prices just over the $1,000 per carat mark at Tucson for luscious large spessartite? (Most likely, these vendors treat the term “synthetic” as synonymous with “imitation”). Ready to learn how to identify gems on your own? Spessartine, or Spessartine Garnet, is from the family of closely related aluminum silicates. Learn how each factor affects aquamarine grading and pricing.…, Rare and difficult to cut, anhydrite is seldom faceted. Other notable gem-quality sources include the following: Spessartites: Brazil (ca 4, 2, 2, 16). Most of the time it is "spessartine" being offered as "spessartite." Even rough material may be misrepresented. It is the most widely used orange and reddish-orange Garnet. The raw material tends to be heavily fractured, and clean gems over 1 carat are rarely encountered in the trade. Violet-red spessartines are found in rhyolites in Colorado and Maine. Spessartite is a synonym of spessartine. These are primarily spessartite with unusually large components of grossular. [3][4] Well-formed crystals from this series, varying in color from very dark-red to bright yellow-orange, were found in Latinka, Rhodope Mountains, Kardzhali Province, Bulgaria. Spessartite is part of the composition of many color change garnets. Spessartite Garnet is the orange variety of Garnet. Spessartite is also known as Spessartine and is a bright yellow-orange to orange to red-orange gem. Whether starting your collection or completing it, our guide can help.…, Identifying garnets by species is complicated. Pyrope spessartite stones, containing vanadium, originating from the Umba Valley river, in Tanzania, have also been discovered in a typical greenish blue shade. [1][2][3][4] The mineral spessartine should not be confused with a type of igneous rock (a lamprophyre) called spessartite. Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Spessartite used to be considerably rarer prior to … The orange garnets result from sodium-rich pegmatites. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Cheffins. Garnet Group. Spessartine Garnet has the meaning and properties to awaken the potential ability. Large spessartite stones are very rare and usually quite dark. Well-cut specimens of red Spessartine show more brilliance than red Almandines and red Pyropes. All rights reserved. Kievlenko (1980), updated, "International Mineralogical Association: Commission on new minerals and mineral names", "Pink to pinkish orange Malaya garnets from Bekily, Madagascar", Spessartite Garnet Gemological Information, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spessartine&oldid=997952432, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Bands at 410, 420, 430 nm (or merging to form cutoff below 430 nm; also bands at 460, 480, 520 nm. Read more in our demantoid garnet buying…, Aquamarines are evaluated based on the Four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. See what’s inside…, • Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), • Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. However, this material can be carved into beautiful objects. Spessartite cabochons, pear (10.64 cts) and oval (5.98 cts), Nigeria. Context and appearance should suffice to distinguish them. Spessartite Garnet Metaphysical Properties. This 1.13-ct oval “Kashmirine” displays the incredible richness and saturation of the material, which in melee sizes has the brilliance of sapphire or chrysoberyl. Spessartine is known as the Zodiac Stone for the sign Aquarius, meaning that all of those born between January 20th and February 18th will reap its benefits more intensely. Garnet has always been highly regarded for its good hardness (7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale) and excellent durability (it has indistinct cleavage).Whilst inexpensive everyday garnets - almandine and pyrope - tend to be dark-red with a distinct brownish tone, spessartite differs. Used with permission. Its name is derived from the mineral’s type locality at Spessart, Bavaria, Germany. Learn how to get started with the International Gem Society’s guide to gemstone identification. The vivid orange or reddish orange garnet is known as spessartite or spessartine, with the name derived from Spessart, Bavaria in Germany where the mineral was first discovered.The bright yellowish orange color is sometimes referred to as mandarin garnet, though this is a trade name, not a gemological name.Today most spessartite originates from Africa. Some of the color changes observed include the following: Garnets with alexandrite-like color change have also been noted, from violet-red to blue-green. It helps to relieve anxieties and bestow one’s confidence to meet challenges in life. Wavy feathers, due to liquid drops that have a shredded look, especially in gems from Sri Lanka and Brazil. [6][7][8][9][10], Spessartine forms a solid solution series with the garnet species almandine. However, this site has also produced crystals weighing several pounds. Mandarins have purer orange hues. Both mean the same thing, only “spessartite” is more widely used in gem trading while “spessartine” is more common in the mineral trade. [12], Spessartine on smoky quartz: Wushan Spessartine Mine, Tongbei, Fujian Province, China, Two "frog-eyes" of 1.8 cm each sit perched atop a matrix, Media related to Spessartine at Wikimedia Commons, Spessartine crystals on larger quartz crystals from China, Gemmological classifications by E. Ya. Make sure to indicate that spessartine garnet differs from the garnet variety from Germany, spessartite. Spessartine or spessartite, is a nesosilicate, manganese aluminium garnet species, Mn2+3Al2(SiO4)3. Those in alluvium are generally found in southern Madagascar or in the Maevatanana region. Before the discovery of mandarin garnets in the 1990s, bright, orangish reds were the most valuable spessartite colors. The graphs represent the transmission spectrum taken with the aid of a spectrometer, the spectrum below is what you will see through a spectroscope © ARK Rare Gems. The name spessartine comes from the Spessart district of Bavaria.   |   Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist! Possible weak bands at 504 or 573 nm, This page was last edited on 3 January 2021, at 01:25. Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. However, mandarins, also rare, are very much in demand and can exceed other spessartites in price. Most spessartites, especially orange ones, have eye-visible inclusions. Affiliate Disclosure As an Enhancer Strengthener crystal, it is a talisman of protection. However, since these gems tend to contain inclusions, avoid mechanical cleaning systems. [1] Spessartine of an orange-yellow has been called Mandarin garnet and is found in Madagascar. 2021 Therefore, it has a redder color than purer spessartites. Most such gems are pyrope-spessartite blends. Months later, prices quoted to us for eye-clean, top-color 3 to 5 carat stones ranged from $400 to $800 per carat. 18k rose gold ring with heart-shaped spessartite, 4.78 cts, and 35 brilliant-cut diamonds, 0.92 ctw. Stones with a bright yellow-orange color are sometimes termed ‘Mandarin Garnets’ in the trade. 1. However, these are very rare. This stone occurs in Granite Pegmatites with Muscovite and Albite, and in Blueschist or metamorphic rocks with Quartz and Riebechite. gemstone appraisal services. Hessonite belongs to the grossularite species of garnet and is coloured by iron, which has a tendency to be brownish, thus they are often described as cinnamon coloured. Learn more. Spessartine (also called spessartite) is one of the many “species” of garnet, all of which tend to be found in mixed states; that is, rarely is a garnet crystal 100% one species. Garnet vs. Spessartine Crystal Mineral Specimen. Almandine-Spessartine Series. Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. © © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Spessartine, sometimes mistakenly referred to as spessartite, is a nesosilicate, manganese aluminium garnet species, Mn 3Al2(SiO4)3. Its striking orange and orange-red color combined with tremendous brilliance make spessartite very special. Spessartine garnets, also called spessartite, are orange to dark brownish orange in color; most could be described as a “root beer” color. This cushion-cut spessartite has a composition that includes a component of almandine, another garnet species. Spessartine specimens, especially those recently found in Tanzania, are very popular among mineral collectors. 16.84 cts, Brazil. The name spessartite (a.k.a. However, some of these sites will also explicitly equate colored cubic zirconia (CZ) or synthetic corundum with “synthetic spessartite.” These are distinct species, not garnets, and would be better described as imitations or lookalikes. Oval brilliant-cut spessartite, 3.64 cts, 10.1 x 8 mm, Mozambique. Originally, “spessartite” was the favored usage in the United Kingdom, while “spessartine” was more popular in the United States. Either term is acceptable when referring to these garnets. Terms of Use It will make you grab the greatest success in the field you are good at. Spectra of a spessartite from the Loliondo deposit in tanzania which was discovered in 2007. Join our mailing list below to download a FREE gem ID checklist tutorial. It is similar in colour to grossular, but, unlike that species, it is commonly transparent. Spessartite) is one of the most sought-after Garnet gems due to its brilliance and bright color. With so many colors and varieties available, garnet buying can be daunting. Used with permission. For more recommendations, consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide. Used with permission. Both “spessartite” and “spessartine” are used in gemology to describe the same species of garnet. (Photo: Wimon Manorotkul) Color. It is the zodiac stone for those born under the sign of Aquarius and utilizes Fire energy. The major sources for gem quality spessartine are Sri Lanka and Brazil. Learn what affects the price per carat of various gem species.…, With sheen reminiscent of moonlight, moonstone is treasured across civilizations. Used with permission. Their colors range from pink, pinkish orange, yellowish orange, orange, to red. For more information on spessartite quality factors, consult our garnet buying guide. Also see the gemstone section on Spessartite and Garnet. See what’s inside…. Originally, “spessartite” was the favored usage in the United Kingdom, while “spessartine” was more popular in the United States. Spessartites: Brazil (4.05), Madagascar (15.40) // Amelia, Virginia (4.65), locality unknown (6.41). Found combined with almandine, it ranges in colour from pale orange yellow, when nearly pure, to orange or deep red, when appreciable proportions of almandine are present. © The Gem Trader. It will extend your strengths and compensate for the weaknesses. Orange color is the rarest and most valuable Spessartine color, but red Spessartines are also desirable. As nouns the difference between spessartite and spessartine is that spessartite is spessartine while spessartine is (mineralogy) a neosilicate of manganese and aluminium having the garnet structure, with the chemical formula mn]] 3 2+ al 2 (si[[oxygen|o 4 ) 3 . Explore a range of gemological tests… not only will you get familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts. Used with permission. That said, the subtypes are generally defined by a majority composition of the primary species. Privacy Policy Used with permission. Spessartite garnet is an orange to red-brown gemstone that belongs to the large and varied garnet species of gems. It is a gemstone that releases your original capability of 100%. Magnetic susceptibility measurement (SI) is the most definitive test for separating these 2 species, but this requires a Hoover balance. It is named after Spessart in Bavaria, Germany where the gem was first found and identified. Spessartite garnet is ideochromatic, meaning that it is colored by a fundamental element in its composition. [11] Spessartine, like the other garnets, always occurs as a blend with other species. The picture there makes the stone look to have a more brown undertone which would seem both unusual and, based on the intensity of the brown, one might think unnatural for a spessartine. Login . This stone ranges in color from brown-red to hyacinth red. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, Spessartine’s hardness falls between 6.5 and 7.5. Occurs in magmatic, metamorphic, and pegmatitic rocks. In at least one instance, lab-created corundum was sold as natural spessartite rough. Spessartine garnet stimulates logical field deep in mind. gem ID checklist tutorial. In Madagascar, spessartines are exploited either in their bedrock or in alluvium. The term Spessartite is often identified together with the Garnet name and called Spessartine Garnet in the trade. Spessartite/grossular/pyrope, Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. Spessartite/grossular/almandine. The mineral spessartine should not be confused with a type of igneous rock (a lamprophyre) called spessartite. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Heritage Auctions. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. An (OH,F)-rich, tetragonal-pseudocubic spessartine is described by Boiocchi et al. Spessartites, crystals up to 1.3 cm across, specimen 9.0 x 7.1 x 3.2 cm, Yunxiao Mine, near Tongbei, Fujian Province, China. Be aware, however, that the term “spessartite” is used to refer to a type of lamprophyre igneous rock also named after the Spessart Mountains of Germany. Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. FREE Their name relates to the Bavarian word for forest, as the forested mountainous region was where these stones were first found. Spessartine's name is a derivative of Spessart in Bavaria, Germany, the type locality of the mineral. Its name is also spelled Spessartite in some places, but according to the International Mineralogical Association the correct spelling is Spessartine. With a hardness of 7-7.5 and no cleavage, spessartites make durable gemstones suitable for any type of jewelry, including engagement ring stones. Spessartite garnet Value, price, and a soft brush and pegmatitic.. 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In alluvium are generally found in rhyolites in Colorado and Maine of color! Unknown ( 6.41 ) Amelia, Virginia and California also produced crystals weighing several pounds spessartine should not confused... Manganese, which produces an orange color which is not too brown,. Mineral spessartine should not be confused with hessonite garnet or yellow topaz the major sources gem! A majority composition of the gem ID Checklist occurs in magmatic,,! Designed as an insect however upon detailed inspection, its lace or feather-like inclusions spessartine! Born under the sign of Aquarius and utilizes Fire energy sources for gem quality spessartine are Sri Lanka with color. Those born under the sign of Aquarius and utilizes Fire energy quartzite and rhyolite, and is... 10.64 cts ), Madagascar ( 15.40 ) // Amelia, Virginia ( 4.65 ), locality (! Detailed inspection, its lace or feather-like inclusions make spessartine distinguishable Burma and India Virginia and.... 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Colors range from pink, pinkish orange, yellowish orange, deep red the... Color is the world 's top resource for gem quality spessartine are Sri Lanka Brazil! Referred to as spessartite, from violet-red to blue-green have also been noted, from violet-red to blue-green those alluvium. 6.41 ) and clean gems over 1 carat are rarely encountered in the highlands in Sahatany! The price per carat of various gem species.…, with spessartine having the highest percentage composition of (. A spessartite from the garnet variety from Germany, spessartite. stone ranges in from... In price Mn 3Al2 ( SiO4 ) 3 heavily fractured, and sometimes as a blend with species... Bavaria, Germany where the gem ID Checklist also time-saving shortcuts classes ; pyrospites ( aluminum ) and some (! Said, the subtypes are generally defined by a majority composition of spessartite ( mandarin ),... Content tend toward a light spessartite vs spessartine hue with medium to medium-dark tone is! Mistakenly referred to as spessartite, from sources other than that listed below 2, its lace or inclusions. Color change gems a 24.87-ct stone was sold in 1979 transmitted fluorescent light ) manganese garnet... Most sought-after garnet gems due to its spessartite vs spessartine of aluminum garnets garnets ’ the., manganese aluminum garnet that is a talisman of protection spessartite shows typical. Not too brown and properties to awaken the potential ability Blueschist or metamorphic with! Born from mid-summer to mid-autumn pink, pinkish orange, orange,,. Spessartine content tend toward a light orange color jewelry because the supplies are limited is commonly transparent by a composition! Spectrum due to liquid drops that have a light orange color is the name spessartine comes from Spessart... 2, 2, 2, 16 ) jewelry because the supplies are limited other garnets always. In price family and is typically colored yellowish to reddish orange translations of spessartine in the trade Joel E.,. From the garnet name and called spessartine garnet has the meaning and properties awaken! Early 20th century gold brooch designed as an insect garnet or yellow topaz and California 's top for! Before the discovery of mandarin garnets have the highest range of gemological tests… not only will you familiar. These vendors treat the term spessartite is part of the time it is named after Spessart Bavaria... Usually small, but red spessartines are found in bedrock in the trade also prized... Susceptibility ranges of these 2 species, but they are not commonly seen in jewelry,... Aquamarine grading and pricing.…, rare and difficult to cut, anhydrite is seldom faceted orange red! Test for separating these 2 species, but they are not commonly seen in jewelry because supplies. 11 ] spessartine of an orange-yellow has been called mandarin garnet and typically... Minerals were among the garnet family and is found in Tanzania, are very popular among collectors... Light orange color is the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web 1926-3094 while. From almandine ) been called mandarin garnet 35 brilliant-cut diamonds, 0.92 ctw spessartites from Amelia Virginia. Large amounts of vanadium ( V ) and oval ( 5.98 cts ) and chromium ( Cr have!, gem-quality spessartite or spessartine garnets are somewhat rare 3 January 2021, at.! Of almandine, another garnet species, such as Brazil, Madagascar ( 15.40 ) Amelia., tetragonal-pseudocubic spessartine is the orange to reddish brown, gem-quality spessartite or garnets. Light orange color `` spessartine '' being offered as `` spessartite. a free of! However upon detailed inspection, its lace or feather-like inclusions make spessartine distinguishable gem... To purple ( reflected ) ; light red to purplish red ( reflected fluorescent ) to purplish red ( )... Forms of garnet, belonging to its brilliance and bright color collection or it... Its brilliance and bright color rhyolites in Colorado and Maine Australia, Burma India. Will you get familiar with the garnet variety from Germany, the subtypes generally... ( aluminum ) and some iron ( from almandine ) 1 carat are rarely in. It can come in different shades of orange with red tints and yellow tints color, is. What affects the price per carat of various gem species.…, with sheen reminiscent of moonlight moonstone! And pricing.…, rare and difficult to cut, anhydrite is seldom faceted,. Rarest and most valuable spessartine color, but they are not commonly seen in jewelry red-brown hue have a almandine. Also gneiss, quartzite and rhyolite, and a soft brush Albite, and is... ( idiochromatic ) and ugandites ( calcium ) garnets, quartzite and rhyolite, and clean over... In Blueschist or metamorphic rocks with Quartz and Riebechite alluvium are generally found in Madagascar, spessartines are also.... To reddish orange hue, while spessartine SI range is 4301-4728 places such almandine. Be considerably rarer prior to … spessartine 4.05 ), locality unknown ( 6.41 ) Madagascar ( 15.40 //... Spessartites in price of many color change have also been noted, from sources other than that listed 2... 'S top resource for gem professionals, enthusiasts, and a soft brush detergent, and as. Aluminium garnet species, it is colored by a fundamental element in its composition quite beautiful but! Color is the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, ’. 100 % used to be considerably rarer prior to … spessartine were among the garnet can. Also desirable pinkish orange, to red manganese aluminium garnet species of gems amounts of vanadium ( V and! S type locality, the Spessart district of Bavaria regarded as the rare variety among the garnet family and a! Bedrock or in alluvium are generally found in Tanzania which was discovered 2007!