Malaya Garnet (also known as Malaia Garnet) were discovered in the 1960s in the Umba River Valley bordering Tanzania and Kenya. These incredible rare, color-changing gems were named “Malaia” from Swahili word meaning “outcast” because the miners were searching for Rhodolites and they were literally set aside.

Malaya Garnet is the gemological trade name for a hybrid of garnets with light to slightly dark colors ranging from pink, pinkish orange, yellowish orange, orange, to red. It's a variety of pyralspite garnet (a blend of pyrope, almandine, and spessartite garnets) and has a wide range of compositions. Some Malaya garnets change colors under incandescent and fluorescent light. When faceted, they display brilliant red flashes because of the presence of chromium or vanadium. Malaya Garnets are also found in Madgascar. Because of its rarity, Malaya Garnet gems ranging from 3-5 carats are very large and cause the price to significantly increase.

Humans have been enchanted with Garnets for more than 5,000 years, dating back to the Bronze Age. Garnets are a large group of rock-forming silicate minerals. They are found all over the world in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. Most Garnets form in volcanic environments when aluminum-rich sedimentary rocks like shale are subject to intense heat and pressure. The Garnet group consists of several different species including: Almandine, Andradite, Grossular, Pyrope, Spessartine and Uvarovite. 

Garnet is the modern & traditional January birthstone and is the second anniversary stone. Garnet is derived from the Greek word “granatum” after its striking resemblance to the seeds in a pomegranate. Much of what has been recorded in history refers to red Garnets because they are the most common.

Malaya Garnets have gentle, grounding energy that revitalizes your physical strength, vitality and wellbeing. A stone of empowerment, Malaya Garnet helps you heal from your past to create your dream life. Malaya Garnets have a regenerative energy that heal imbalances in the body's energy fields. Ignite the fire within you and enhance your intimate relationship with Malaya Garnet. Malaya Garnets enhance passion, pleasure and harmony in relationships. Break free from self-limiting beliefs holding you back from embracing your full potential and pleasure in life.

Hardness: 7-7.5

Color: Pink, pinkish orange, yellowish orange, orange, to red

Structure: Isometric

Care: Avoid prolonged exposure to heat (or extreme heat), direct sunlight and contact with abrasive surfaces or chemicals. Remove before contact sports, weight lifting or activities where it may come into contact with force. As always, minerals higher on the hardness scale should be stored away from it.

Cleaning: Warm water, mild soap, and soft brush.

Feng Shui Placement: Garnets attract positive energy into the home when placed in the entryway. Depending on the variety, can be placed in various rooms or altars with intention.