George Boyle
Spessartite garnet, also known as mandarin garnet, is a popular choice for wedding rings due to its affordability, beauty, and brilliant orange to red colour. However, its toughness has been questioned, with a hardness of about 7 on the Mohs scale, which is lower than that of diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. While some people have reported chipping their spessartite garnet rings, others have found them to be tough enough for everyday wear, as long as they are removed during activities such as gardening, housework, and handyperson tasks. So, is spessartite garnet tough enough for a wedding ring? The answer may depend on individual wear and tear, but with reasonable care, it is possible for spessartite garnets to last for decades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardness on the Mohs scale | 6.5-7 |
| Durability | Moderately hard, may not last decades |
| Scratch resistance | Resistant to scratches from household dust |
| Cleaning | Warm soapy water with soft and non-toxic soap, soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water |
| Colour | Orange to red |
| Colour variation | Deeper orange and red hues are more valuable |
| Crystal structure | Lacks cleavage, may be a bit brittle |
| Wear | Should be removed before gardening, housework, handyman work, car maintenance, bushwalking, and bedtime |
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What You'll Learn
Spessartite garnet's hardness on the Mohs scale
Spessartite garnets, also known as mandarin garnets, are a species of garnet that is prized for its brilliant orange to red colour. While they are beautiful and affordable, the key consideration when deciding whether to use them in wedding rings is their hardness.
The Mohs scale is a measure of scratch resistance of minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material. The scale was created in 1812 by the German geologist and mineralogist Friedrich Mohs. It is important to note that the Mohs scale is relative, not linear, so the jump in hardness between each number is not consistent. For example, while diamonds are rated at 10, the highest grade on the scale, rubies and sapphires are at 9, and garnets are generally rated at 6.5 to 7.5, with spessartite garnets specifically rated at 7-7.5. This makes spessartite garnets significantly softer than diamonds and other gemstones, and they can be easily scratched by them if stored together.
Despite their lower rating compared to other gemstones, spessartite garnets are still considered moderately hard and relatively durable. They can withstand daily wear with proper care and are suitable for use in jewellery such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. However, it is recommended to take off rings containing spessartite garnets when doing chores, gardening, or any other activities that may increase the risk of scratching or chipping the stone.
Overall, while spessartite garnets may not be as hard as other gemstones on the Mohs scale, they can still be suitable for wedding rings with reasonable care. Their brilliant colour and affordability make them a desirable choice for those seeking a unique and beautiful gemstone that has not been treated or altered.
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Garnet's toughness vs other gemstones
Spessartite garnets are a type of gemstone that is a popular choice for jewellery, including wedding rings. They are known for their vibrant orange to red colour, affordability, and brilliance. While they are considered tough enough for everyday wear, there are varying opinions on their suitability for wedding rings due to their hardness rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This rating indicates that they are moderately hard but not as durable as diamonds (rated 10) or rubies and sapphires (rated 9).
Garnets, in general, are known for their toughness and are suitable for various types of jewellery. They are rated between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, with some varieties like almandine and pyrope falling on the higher end of this range. This places them above other gemstones such as emeralds, opals, and zircons, which are typically rated between 5 and 6.5. Their hardness makes garnets relatively resistant to scratches and abrasions, contributing to their durability.
However, it is important to note that garnets can still be scratched by harder stones like diamonds and rubies. Therefore, it is recommended to store them separately from other gemstones or wrap them in cloth for protection. Additionally, while garnets are tough, they are not indestructible. They can chip or break if subjected to enough force or impact. Some people choose to remove their garnet jewellery during activities such as gardening, housework, or sports to avoid potential damage.
Compared to other gemstones, garnets have some unique advantages. They are less likely to be subjected to synthetic processes, such as irradiation, heat treatment, or diffusion, meaning that most garnets on the market are 100% natural. This lack of treatment also contributes to their toughness. Additionally, garnets are known for their rich colours and glossy sheen, making them aesthetically appealing.
In conclusion, while spessartite garnets may not have the highest toughness rating compared to other gemstones, they are still considered suitable for wedding rings and everyday wear if treated with reasonable care. Their toughness, combined with their natural beauty and lack of synthetic enhancements, makes them a popular choice for those seeking a durable and unique gemstone for their jewellery.
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How to care for a spessartite garnet ring
Spessartite garnets are beautiful gemstones that can be enjoyed and worn often. However, they are not as hard as other gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, which score higher on the Mohs scale of hardness. To care for your spessartite garnet ring and ensure its longevity, consider the following:
Avoid Chores and Certain Activities
Spessartite garnets have a hardness of about 7 on the Mohs scale, making them moderately hard. While they are tough enough for everyday wear, it is recommended to avoid wearing the ring during activities that could cause damage, such as gardening, housework, handyman work, or car maintenance. It is also advisable to remove the ring before bedtime to prevent any accidental knocks or bumps.
Store Separately or Wrapped in Cloth
Due to their softer nature, spessartite garnets can be easily scratched by harder gemstones. Always store your spessartite garnet ring separately from other jewellery containing harder stones. If this is not possible, wrap your ring in a soft cloth to provide extra protection.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
To clean your spessartite garnet ring, use warm soapy water with a soft, non-toxic, and neutral pH soap. Soak the ring for a few minutes, then rinse it carefully in warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. You can also gently clean the bezel with a very soft toothbrush, avoiding direct contact with the stone. Consider having your ring professionally cleaned and checked by a trusted jeweller every six months to ensure all gemstones are secure and in good condition.
Choose a Protective Setting
When selecting a spessartite garnet ring, opt for a setting that offers maximum protection to the gemstone. While chips and scratches may occur even in the most protective settings, a secure setting can help minimise the risk of damage.
Be Mindful of Wear and Tear
Over time, gemstones may show facet wear or minor chips, especially if worn frequently. While these imperfections may be barely noticeable without a loupe, it is essential to be mindful of them and take extra care when wearing the ring.
By following these care instructions, you can enjoy your spessartite garnet ring for many years to come.
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The colour of spessartite garnet
Spessartite garnets are generally untreated and known for their orange to red colour, with the specific hue depending on their composition. Pure spessartite garnets are light orange in colour, while those with a reddish to red-brown hue have a higher almandine content and a higher refractive index. Mandarin garnets, a subtype of spessartite, have vivid orange colours and the highest percentage composition of spessartite. Malaya garnets, another subtype, have colours ranging from pink, pinkish orange, yellowish orange, orange, to red.
Spessartite garnets are also part of the composition of many colour-changing garnets. For example, the most common colour-changing garnets are spessartite-pyrope mixtures, which may appear pink, salmon, or magenta in daylight and reddish-pink, light purple, pink, or pink-orange in incandescent light. Unusual colour-changing garnets with large amounts of vanadium and chromium have been reported from East Africa, with colours that shift from greenish yellow-brown to purplish-red to reddish-orange or red.
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The value of spessartite garnet
Spessartite garnets, also known as mandarin garnets, are famous for their orange to red colour. The value of spessartite garnets is determined by a variety of factors, including colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Firstly, colour is a significant factor in determining the value of spessartite garnets. Pure spessartite garnets are typically orange due to the presence of manganese. However, iron impurities can modify the colour, making it more reddish or brown. Reddish spessartite garnets are generally considered the highest-valued variety, as red garnets are in high demand and sought-after, making them valuable overall. Mandarin spessartite garnets from Namibia are also highly valued for their vivid orange colours and can be significantly more expensive than other varieties.
Secondly, clarity is another important factor in determining the value of spessartite garnets. Spessartites are generally eye-clean, meaning they have no clarity defects visible to the unaided eye. However, some varieties, such as the mandarin spessartites from Namibia, may contain small inclusions that affect their overall appearance.
Thirdly, the cut of a spessartite garnet can also impact its value. Spessartites are typically cut into ovals, cushions, trillions, or emerald shapes. A well-proportioned and symmetrical cut can enhance the stone's brilliance and improve its value.
Lastly, carat weight plays a crucial role in determining the value of spessartite garnets. The price per carat increases with the size and rarity of the stone. For example, smaller mandarin spessartites from Namibia can fetch up to $800 per carat, while larger stones above 5 carats can exceed $1000 per carat.
In addition to these factors, the origin and rarity of the spessartite garnet can also influence its value. Spessartite garnets from certain locations, such as Ramona, California, and Amelia County, Virginia, are known for their rare and vibrant colours, making them highly prized and valuable.
Overall, spessartite garnets are valued for their unique colours, clarity, and brilliance. While they may not be as hard as other gemstones, with a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, they are still considered durable enough for everyday wear with reasonable care.
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Frequently asked questions
Spessartite garnet has a hardness of about 7 on the Mohs scale, which is considered moderately hard. While it may not be hard enough to last decades, with reasonable care, you can keep the stone lasting for a long time. It is recommended to take off the ring while doing chores or any heavy work to avoid any damage.
Warm soapy water using a soft and non-toxic soap is usually enough to clean a spessartite garnet ring. Always rinse and dry off the stone well to avoid soap spots. It is also important to store the ring separately from harder stones to avoid scratches.
Spessartite garnets are durable enough for everyday wear, but they can be a bit brittle. It is recommended to avoid wearing the ring during activities like gardening, housework, or any heavy work to prevent any chipping or scratches.
