Gorgeous Garnets

It has been some time since I last devoted one of my blogs to a gemstone, so I have decided to feature the beauty of garnets in this one. Geologically, there are many types of garnet and many groups of the gem, distinguished by their chemical compositions. In general, they are a silicate mineral with various metal elements in their crystal structure which denote their colour and crystal shape. The gem itself is part of the cubic crystal system and is formed under highly pressurised conditions. Indeed, some types of garnets, if found in certain rocks, indicate that diamonds may be present - diamonds are formed at extreme depth and under massive geological pressures. Garnets are found in all colours. Blue is the rarest, being only recently discovered in Madegascar in the 1990's. Shades of red are the most common. Bright greens are highly prized as cut stones for jewellery. Colour change garnets also exist, where in normal light, they appear greyish purple or greyish green and in incandescent light can appear bright, tanzanite blue or reddish purple. These colour change garnets are often mistaken for another type of gemstone, called Alexandrite. Some garnets can have cats eye properties. I have even set one into a pendant that showed a star or cross that would move along the surface of the stone in incandescent light. This is quite a rare optical property. Garnets can be found all over the world. In the UK, they are found in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall and in other areas where there are certain Metamorphic and Igneous rocks. I know of a beach in Scotland that has sand almost entirely composed of tiny garnet crystals!!!! Garnets have been mined and used as a gemstone for thousands of years. The stone is also widely used in industry, as an abrasive and cutting & polishing stone. Well, enough of 'the science bit' lets have a look at some of these fantastic, colourful and well loved stones in some Folksy Artisans creations...... This beautiful necklace is by Kathryn Fruish I love this cocktail ring by Chikako Haworth This ring is so unusual - a real talking point. Designed and created by nyaki plunk For the perfect gift - this lovely garnet set by Maxine Veronica I love this - a real statement piece, by Hannah Hossack-Lodge Stunning Rosary by Faith Bowman A beautiful Chakra Pendant by Jacqueline Ostrowka ......................................................................................................... A selection of my pieces that feature some of the colours of garnet. .......................................................................................................... Please click on the pictures for a link to the items in the artisans shops for more gorgeous items. Thanks so much for dropping by, Jacqueline x