What physical properties do garnet gemstones posses?

Although garnets come in lots of different colors, they are all basically the same in their crystal structure and chemical composition. Garnets included in gemstone jewelry generally rank at 6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The price of a garnet gemstone depends a lot on its color, the most costly variety of garnet being the green garnet, which can cost even more than a diamond. In terms of their mystic powers, garnet gemstones are said to possess the power to enhance creativity, love, fortune, and adoration. Garnet gemstones are usually set in sterling silver and gold jewelry which can be cleaned with regular jewelry cleaning solutions. Dish detergent, warm water, and a toothbrush are also a good alternative for cleaning garnet jewelry. To polish it off, use a jewelry polishing cloth.

• 7
• 7

A popular gemstone in fine jewelry, garnets can be found in a multitude of colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. The gemstone's light transmission ranges from the transparent specimens to the opaque varieties used for industrial purposes. The garnet's luster is categorized as vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like). The mineral has a range of hardness on the Mohs Scale of about 6.5 to 7.5, so it is considered to be a strong, durable stone. Garnet is the January birthstone.

• 13
• 5