A precious stone called green garnet, also called demantoid, is today highly valued by world jewelers. The rarest gem called green garnet adorns the most exquisite jewelry collections today. However, for a long time it was better known only among collectors - it was so rare. The first demantoid was found only in the 19th century in the Urals.
The first demantoid was found only in the 19th century in the Urals
For some reason, it is believed that diamonds have the brightest shine. However, experts say that green garnet with a grassy tint can burn and shimmer even in the shade
It has high light refractive index and dispersion
- History of discovery
- How is demantoid cut?
- Ponytail stone and other rare varieties of demantoid
- How much does a green pomegranate cost?
- How to distinguish a fake?
- Magic properties
- Medicinal properties
- Who is demantoid suitable for?
- Caring for jewelry with demantoid
Description and history of discovery
For the first time, green pomegranate was found by Vasily Kalugin.
Russian mineralogists were the first to become interested in the stone. In 1874, on the banks of the Ural river Paskakukha, miner Vasily Kalugin discovered a bright green nugget and immediately sold it to a jeweler for the price of peridot.
The same find at the same time fell into the hands of the mining master Adolf Northenskjöld in Nizhny Tagil. The mineral surprised him with a special shimmering shine, and he sent a sample to the Mining Institute of St. Petersburg. However, experts did not notice the value of the specimen, classified it as an olivine species and gave it a new name - demantoid. Only 10 years later the mineral was classified as garnet.
After processing and cutting, green gemstones acquired an unusual, mesmerizing transparency. And already in 1887, ladies at the court of Tsar Alexander III decorated their headdresses with precious stones of an unusual shade. Foreign guests were fascinated by the finds from the Ural deposits. And after another 10 years, the price of demantoid rose to 250–300 thousand rubles. per carat, and in order to find them, miners in India and Africa began to sort through waste dumps.
Description of the stone
For some reason, it is believed that diamonds have the brightest shine. However, experts say that green garnet with a grassy tint can burn and shimmer even in the shade. This is due to the high refractive index and dispersion - the ability of the material to refract light and decompose it into colors.
Demantoid has many shades - from light yellowish-green to golden-green with a brownish tint
The most prized green garnet is its rich emerald green color. However, it is rare
Fashionable jewelry houses considered it the crown of their collections. I loved working with this stone and Faberge
Demantoid has many shades - from light yellowish-green to golden-green with a brownish tint. The most prized green garnet is its rich emerald green color. However, it does not occur often.
Advice! Unfortunately, the hardness of green garnet is low - this indicator is 6.5–7. This is why demantoid is almost never inserted into rings.
Varieties of Green Pomegranate
Green minerals are divided into several types, differing in composition and shades. Each has its own name.
Demantoid
The samples contain a high content of chromium, which gives a rich, bright color and shine. Characteristic features: high refraction of light, the characteristic “cat’s eye” effect - a golden reflection coming from the inside. Hardness is low - up to 6 units.
Demantoid contains a lot of chromium.
Uvarovite
Better known as the Ural emerald. The stone has been called Uvarovite since 1832 - in this way scientists noted the merits of the Minister of Public Education, Count Sergei Semenovich Uvarov.
Another name for uvarovite is Ural emerald.
Due to its high hardness, up to 8 units, it is difficult to process. The color is bright, rich; even without treatment it sparkles when exposed to direct sunlight. Some jewelers believe that uvarovite does not need cutting.
Tsavorite
The second name is tsavorite. Has high hardness. A characteristic feature is the shimmer after cutting. It can be greenish, grayish, with a steely tint imparted by vanadium. When exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, the crystal structure is destroyed and the stone quickly becomes discolored.
Tsavorite is a very hard stone.
Grossular
This is the name given to all small greenish garnets that have additional shades. Depending on their color, they are divided into the following types:
- hessonites – brownish and yellowish;
- rosolites – with a pale red tint;
- rumyantsevity – reddish-brown;
- succinites – with golden-amber hues;
- leucogranates are light green, grayish, always transparent.
The latter look like gooseberries. This is the literal translation of the name “grossular” from Latin.
The largest grossular weighs up to several kilograms.
This is not a complete list of greenish or emerald green minerals. In Brazilian deposits, andradite, a brown-green stone, with inclusions of not only chromium, but also iron, is mined; in California, goldmanite, which additionally includes aluminum, is mined, and in the Urals, hydrogrossular is the largest representative of these minerals, weighing up to several kg . Untreated monoliths resemble jadeite in appearance.
How to distinguish a fake?
Since the cost of demantoid is quite high, it is necessary to be able to distinguish it not only from a fake, but also from other minerals, in particular, from emeralds or chrysolites. Synthetic, artificially grown green pomegranates are also very common:
- an overly large stone should immediately alert you - after all, a green garnet usually weighs no more than a carat;
- emerald color is grassy and less saturated; an olive or yellow-green tint is more characteristic of the semi-precious stone peridot;
An overly large stone should immediately alert you - after all, a green garnet usually weighs no more than a carat
The color of emerald is grassy and less saturated; olive or yellow-green tint is more characteristic of the semi-precious stone peridot
Even in daylight, the demantoid should sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow; under artificial lighting, this effect only intensifies
- other minerals do not have a characteristic shine; even in daylight, the demantoid should sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow; under artificial lighting, this effect only intensifies;
- Stones that have a slight brown tint shimmer the most; however, they look less attractive in appearance than the rich green demantoids;
- A curious property of any garnet is its ability to magnetize, but this is not easy to notice with the naked eye;
- It is possible to determine whether a stone has been magnetized only with the help of scales - first, the weight of the demantoid is measured before magnetization, then after it.
In the 20th century, deposits of a bright green gem, very similar to green demantoid, were found in Namibia, Kenya and Tanzania. But laboratory studies have shown that, although it belongs to the garnet group and has an amazing hue, it does not have the characteristic play of light inherent in demantoid. The price of this stone is much lower.
Stones that have a slight brown tint shimmer the most; however, they appear less attractive in appearance than the rich green demantoids
A curious property of any garnet is its ability to magnetize, but this is not easy to notice with the naked eye.
It is possible to determine whether a stone has been magnetized only with the help of scales - first, the weight of the demantoid is measured before magnetization, then after it
Advice! To enhance the color and make it look like green garnet, some minerals are heat treated. Such stones do not remain bright for long and will quickly lose their attractiveness. To remove the brown tint, in some cases demantoids are also exposed to high temperatures. However, manufacturers claim that this does not affect their shine in any way.
Physico-chemical characteristics
The properties of green gems are the same as those of red carbuncles:
- hardness – 6–7.5 units, depends on the content of impurities;
- color – brightness and saturation is given by the ratio of additional components of the composition, chromium and aluminum oxides;
- transparency - specimens can be completely or translucent;
- cleavage – imperfect;
- fracture - conchoidal type;
- luster – glassy.
Minerals have pyroelectric properties - after rubbing they become electrified and fade when exposed to direct sunlight.
The healing effect of green pomegranate
Lithotherapists use nuggets to stop bleeding and treat diseases of the cardiovascular system. Owners of treated gems are protected from thrombosis and are less likely to have strokes and heart attacks.
Green pomegranate helps treat the cardiovascular system.
Additional properties of greenish garnets of various types:
- demantoids – soothe, improve sleep;
- leucogranates – stimulate mucosal regeneration;
- Rosolites – cleanse the blood;
- rumyantsevitis - relieve allergic manifestations.
All pomegranates, regardless of color and type, suppress irritability and increase immunity.
History of the origin of demantoid from the Urals
The Ural demantoid was discovered in 1868. Later, in 1874, scientists found the famous Sysert deposit. Until the beginning of the 20th century, this was the only place where stone was mined. Later, demantoid deposits were discovered in Kamchatka.
Green pomegranate gained fame thanks to the Kalugin dynasty. The famous family of collectors and scientists were the first to describe the properties of the mineral and estimate its value. Initially it was believed that demantoid was one of the varieties of chrysolite. However, after detailed research, scientists attributed the crystal to the garnet family.
At the end of the 19th century, the Kalugin family gave the mineral to the famous jeweler Kuznetsov. He was the first to cut demantoid. After this, the beauty of the crystal was revealed to the whole world.
The Russian nobility especially loved the green pomegranate. They called the mineral Ural emerald. Jewelry was made from it, clothes were inlaid, and interiors were decorated.
Magic properties
Green stones enhance the gift of clairvoyance and awaken intuition. They protect from damage and the evil eye, but only to people with pure thoughts. After all, they catch all negative thoughts, incl. and owners, and reflect them. Amulets decorated with demantodes and grossulars help career growth, strengthen authority in the eyes of others and protect against thieves.
Magical properties do not decrease after processing nuggets. It is better for women to wear them in earrings, and for men - in rings.
Properties depend on the type of jewelry. Public people need rings; they protect against negative influences during public appearances. Pendants strengthen your connection with the outside world, help you stay in harmony with yourself, and increase your attractiveness in the eyes of others. Earrings clear your thoughts and protect you from unnecessary ideas. Stones in a bracelet cure envy.
When to buy uvarovit?
In esotericism there is no specific date most suitable for acquisition, however, representatives of the movement are skeptical about receiving such items in the middle of the week - on Wednesday, as well as at the end of the working period - on Friday. Additionally, it exists in the period from the 1st to the 7th lunar day. It is believed that during this period there is a certain increase in the activity of the stone, and the desire to complete what has been started increases.
Regardless of the date of acquisition of the amulet, the principles of storing the work do not change. Should be stored separately from other similar items, even if they are made of the same material.
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Where is green pomegranate used?
Gems of this type are widely in demand in the jewelry industry. In the 1960s pomegranates began to be grown artificially. Despite the change in properties, various products are also made from them. They cost several times less.
Jewelry
Earrings, pendants and rings with demantoids, uvarovites and tsavorites are made of yellow and white gold; silver frames are often used for grossulars, emphasizing the brightness of the stone. They try to enhance the shine with a frame of cubic zirconia.
Green garnet is used to make beautiful earrings, pendants and rings.
Large stones are processed in the form of cabochons; for small ones, diamond cuts are used.
Wearing multiple pieces of jewelry is considered bad manners. A pendant, ring or earrings replace an entire set.
How is demantoid cut?
Only a faceted stone can refract light rays perfectly. It is pleasant to work with demantoid, as it is quite easy to cut. However, only a super specialist can undertake this - after all, this stone is quite fragile and can be easily damaged. But, if a demantoid is in the hands of a real master, it becomes a real jewelry masterpiece.
During the finishing process, all sagging and places with inclusions are removed, and then the edges are trimmed. Most often, this gem is cut with a brilliant cut, although a flat step cut is also allowed.
There are also demantoid cabochons - smooth convex gems without edges. However, only stones with microcracks are processed in this way, when it is not possible to grind off the edges.
There are also demantoid cabochons - smooth convex gems without edges
Ural demantoid is valued more than other green garnets precisely because of the inclusions of a golden-yellow mineral called bissolite
However, a similar variety of green garnet is found infrequently even in the Ural demantoids
Advice! It is believed that this gem cannot stand everyday clothes - it is recommended to wear it only when going out. Perhaps this belief is due to the fact that it looks most advantageous under artificial lighting. Jewelry with green garnet can be worn during the day only if the size of the crystal is not too large.
Who suits green pomegranate according to their zodiac sign?
People born under the sign of Cancer should not wear jewelry or amulets made from precious green gems. They reduce their vital activity.
The emerald mineral has a positive effect on representatives of the air signs - Libra, Aquarius and Gemini, as well as Leo and Sagittarius. It will help you climb the career ladder and increase your influence on others. Garnets will help Scorpios, Virgos and Taurus gain confidence in their abilities.
For those born under other constellations, the effect is neutral.
Jewelry combinations
Leading positions in precious products are occupied by compositions with diamonds, topaz and emeralds to aesthetically complement the effects of the crystal. Other substrates are also acceptable as additives, because the presence of other raw materials in the base does not have any noticeable effect on the nature of the stone.
What minerals does it combine with?
Not all gemstones can be worn together. If they do not fit together, the “owner’s” health begins to deteriorate. It feels like life energy is being “sucked out”.
You cannot wear green and greenish garnets with diamonds, lapis lazuli, aquamarines, rubies and pearls. But the most dangerous is the burgundy or ruby gem of the same name.
Green garnet goes well with sapphire.
Favorable combination with emerald, sapphire, agate, bloodstone, alabaster; neutral - with onyx, malachite and black sapphire.
But if you want to take advantage of the healing and magical properties, then you need to wear jewelry with a single stone.
All-round healer: amazing healing properties
Eastern medicine says: buy a green pomegranate and you will forget about illnesses and depression.
If we consider just some of its medicinal properties, we can understand why a mineral of this particular shade has become an excellent healer. This is the color of life, harmony, flowering and awakening.
- You should wear a green pomegranate for migraines, fever, and inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx. It is better if, in case of such ailments, a pomegranate will accompany you, strung on the middle finger of your hand in the form of a gold ring.
- Wearing it around your neck in the form of a bead or pendant will help cope with lung diseases. Bronchitis, pneumonia and even tuberculosis can be cured by this miracle stone. The main thing is that it is framed in silver. In a duet with other metals (gold, copper), it loses its magical properties.
- It is also worth purchasing it for those whose work or activities involve possible injuries. It is believed that emerald garnet protects against various fractures, accidents, and injuries.
- In the preoperative and postoperative periods, pomegranate is a salvation from bleeding and dangerous blood loss, helps the body recover faster and boosts immunity better than any vitamins.
- Has a beneficial effect on pregnant women and women in labor. It is not for nothing that it has long been considered a lucky sign if a woman wears a necklace or earrings with a green garnet before giving birth.
- It gives men strength in love affairs and relieves impotence no worse than modern dietary supplements and pills.
- Herbal pomegranate improves heart rhythms and normalizes blood pressure. In this case, it should be worn in the chest and heart area in the form of a brooch or beads.
And now to the fun part!
How much does a real green pomegranate cost?
The price of processed stone depends on the following parameters:
- Countries where gems are mined.
- Size in carats, weight 0.2 g.
- Cuts. Garnets are processed as cabochons, diamonds or fancy cut. The latter is estimated to be 5–10% more expensive.
- Transparency. The fewer inclusions, the higher the product is rated.
- Defects. Natural stone may contain impurities, microcracks, and uneven shades.
Pure natural stones over 6 carats in size, without cracks or bubbles inside, are sold exclusively at auctions, and can only be seen through videos on the Internet. Even the models who advertise them are provided with elaborate replicas. The cost of a “cheap” gold ring with a mineral of natural origin starts from 400 USD. e., earrings – from 600 USD. e. and higher. Artificial grenades are used to make consumer goods.
Jewelry price
Faceted demantoid has a high price. Its cost in jewelry is:
- $410 - for a men's ring made of yellow gold with a gem weighing 0.15 carats;
- $630 – for white gold earrings with a total weight of 2.8 g;
- $660 – for a gold wedding ring with demantoid inserts weighing 1.6 g;
- $1450 – for gold earrings with demantoid inserts, diamonds and sapphires totaling 4.8 g.
Among the elite jewelry you can also find more expensive products. For example, the cost of a 42 cm long gold necklace with demantoid and diamonds reaches $28,000.
How to spot a fake stone
Green gemstones are rare in nature. Imitation is indicated by the too large size of the faceted sample - more than 5 mm in diameter, monotony, rapid heating after being held in a fist. Natural stones cannot be scratched by a sharp object, and they become electrified when rubbed.
Red garnets are attracted by magnets. Greens contain no iron impurities. Therefore, to be sure of authenticity, it is better to involve a jeweler in the assessment.
Deposits and stone mining
Demantoid deposits are known in Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya and Russia.
On the territory of Russia, the green garnet deposit was first discovered in the 19th century in the Middle Urals, near Yekaterinburg (Bobrovka River). From here such names of demantoid began to appear as: “Ural chrysolite”, “Bobrovsky garnet”, “Ural emerald”.
At the end of the 20th century, a deposit of the green tsavorite garnet was discovered in Namibia. The stone is also called demantoid, but its composition differs from the Ural gems.
Large deposits of this gem are found only in the Middle Urals. The maximum production of natural jewelry stone was 104 kilograms. At that time, gem-quality stones rarely reached a size of five millimeters; ten-millimeter crystals were and are considered truly unique.
Currently, demantoid deposits are being studied in the bowels of Kamchatka. Jewelry-quality stones are mined in Madagascar and Iran.
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Caring for Green Pomegranate Jewelry
After the jewelry has been removed, it should be wiped with a soft cloth to remove moisture and dust, and “hide” it from daylight. For storage, it is better to use boxes with soft upholstery inside.
If the stone or setting becomes dirty, you can clean it:
- Dip in soapy solution.
- Rubbing with a brush moistened with liquid soap.
- Leaving for 30 minutes in a weak cool saline solution - 0.5 tsp. for 250 ml of water.
Then the product is rinsed in running water and wiped dry. To preserve the color, avoid contact with cosmetics and household chemicals.
Additional Information
If there is a feeling that jewelry with green grants has a negative impact on the owner, a special cleaning is needed - it is called energetic or magical. For this purpose, herbal baths are used. To prepare the infusion, 1 tsp. dried plants with magical properties are poured with boiling water, left for 15–20 minutes in front of the icons, a pinch of “Thursday” salt is dissolved and the jewelry is lowered for 30 minutes.
The choice of herbs depends on the effect:
- chamomile protects against depressive thoughts;
- nettle - from envy;
- wormwood - from spoilage;
- thyme and sage - for deteriorating health.
If it is not clear what you had to face when wearing jewelry with pomegranate, it should be dipped in St. John's wort infusion. This is a plant of universal action.
The most expensive gems are demantoids. They can be worn by men and women. With proper care, they retain their properties and appearance for many years. They can be passed on by inheritance and sold in difficult situations. You just can’t give it as a gift - it will bring misfortune to the former owner and may have a negative impact on the next owner.
