Andradite Garnet

This beautiful variety of iridescent Garnet was discovered in 1934 at the Adelaide mining district, Nevada, USA and is also found in Sonora, Mexico which has been the primary producer of this beautiful material. In 2004, a new locality of Rainbow Andradite Garnet was found in Japan. Mining was only allowed for a brief window before the mine was closed in 2005 and mining prohibited.

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. Today, gem lovers have a beautiful color array to select from! Demantoid Garnets are the most rare and valuable variety of Garnet.