Garnet • Grossular (Ugrandite Series)

Grossular Garnet (Hessonite & Mint)

Cinnamon-honey orange (Hessonite), pastel mint green (Merelani mint), golden yellow, to colorless (Leuco garnet).

Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ (Calcium Aluminum Silicate)Mohs 7.0 – 7.5 Mohs

Mineralogical & Gemological Profile

Mineral FamilyGarnet
Mineral SpeciesGrossular (Ugrandite Series)
Gemological VarietyGrossular (Hessonite, Leuco & Mint Garnet)
Chemical CompositionCa₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ (Calcium Aluminum Silicate)
Crystal SystemIsometric
Mohs Hardness7.0 – 7.5 Mohs
Specific Gravity3.57 – 3.73
Refractive Index1.734 – 1.759

Color Characteristics & Optical Behavior

Cinnamon-honey orange (Hessonite), pastel mint green (Merelani mint), golden yellow, to colorless (Leuco garnet).

Geological Context & Pakistani / Global Localities

Forms in contact-metamorphosed impure limestones (skarns) and rodingites in Pakistan (Bajaur, Mohmand, Jeffery mine area in Balochistan), Sri Lanka, and East Africa.

Collector Interest & Rarity Factors

Lustrous cinnamon-orange hessonite crystals from Balochistan/Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and characteristic 'heat-wave' (scotch-in-water) internal graining.

Fine Jewelry Applications

Faceted cushion and oval cuts for rings and earrings.

Treatment Considerations & Disclosure

Naturally colored and untreated.

Care & Cleaning Instructions

Wash gently in warm soapy water.

Traditional Meaning

Traditional Symbolism & Cultural Heritage

Known as 'Gomed' in South Asian tradition, associated with clarity of purpose and transition. January birthstone.

Note: Cultural and birthstone traditions are presented strictly as historical folklore, never as scientifically verified medical or metaphysical effects.

Garnet

Related Entries

Garnet

Pyrope Garnet

7.0 – 7.5 Mohs

Blood red to purplish-red; forms a continuous solid solution with almandine (including rhodolite).

Chemical formula
Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ (Magnesium Aluminum Silicate)
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