Explore the captivating world of rare garnet gemstones, masterfully faceted and curated by Steve Moriarty and the team at Moriarty’s Gem Art. Far beyond the traditional red varieties, our collection showcases the incredible diversity of the garnet family—featuring vivid greens of tsavorite, fiery oranges of spessartite, mesmerizing color-change garnets, and rare demantoids with exceptional brilliance.
Garnet is one of the most captivating and diverse gemstones in the world, making it an exceptional choice for discerning collectors and luxury jewelry buyers. Unlike many gemstones limited to a single color, garnet occurs in a rich spectrum—from deep crimson reds and vivid oranges to rare greens, purples, and even color-change varieties—offering a level of exclusivity few stones can match. High-quality garnets like Tsavorite, Demantoid, and Mahenge Garnet rival the brilliance and rarity of more expensive gems, yet offer exceptional value for their beauty and durability. With a radiant luster, excellent wearability, and a story rooted in royalty and history, garnet pieces bring timeless elegance and individuality to any fine jewelry collection. Whether custom set or chosen for their investment-grade quality, these gems offer a sophisticated, under-the-radar luxury prized by collectors who appreciate both rarity and refinement.
Color change alexandrite like garnet from Bekily Madagascar has disappeared from the market but new supplies from Kenya and Tanzania are available. Both these sources rarely produce the quality of Madagascar alexandrite like garnet. Steve will be in Tanzania in March to look for color changing garnet and tsavorite garnet with hopes of good supply and good prices for these extremely rare gems. Even purple and grape garnet are amazing looking. View our Mali and Malaya Garnet gemstones as well.You can also find rhodolite garnet, mehange, Merelani.
Mineral Group: Nesosilicate family; formula X₃Y₂(SiO₄)₃. Includes two main series: pyralspite (pyrope, almandine, spessartine) and ugrandite (grossular, andradite, uvarovite)
Hardness: 6.5–7.5 on Mohs scale – relatively durable, suitable for daily wear
Refractive Index: High (~1.72–1.94), giving garnets bright brilliance
Crystal System & Luster: Isometric structure, typically dodecahedral crystals; vitreous to resinous shine
Colors & Varieties:
Common reds (pyrope, almandine) and oranges (spessartine)
Greens (grossular, tsavorite, uvarovite)
Rare colors: peach, clear, blue, color-change varieties (e.g., color-change garnet)
Sources by Variety:
Mahenge / Malaya Garnet – Tanzania, known for vivid pink-red-orange hues
Tsavorite (green grossular) – Kenya & Tanzania (Tsavo region)
Spessartine – Madagascar, Namibia; oranges are vibrant
Rhodolite – Malawi and other African sources; violet-red color
Color-change garnet – Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania; shifts from green/blue to red/purple under light change
Notable Rare Types:
Demantoid (green andradite) – chromium-rich, high dispersion, found in Russia, Namibia, Italy, Iran
Colorless garnet – extremely rare; anecdotal existence
Industrial Use: Garnet’s hardness and angular grain structure makes it ideal for use as abrasive media (e.g., water-jet cutting, sandpaper)
Garnets are known for their exceptional brilliance and range of colors—from deep red to vivid green, orange, and even rare color-change varieties. Each type of garnet (like Pyrope, Almandine, Spessartite, and Tsavorite) has its own distinct hue and character, making garnet one of the most diverse gemstone families.
No! While red is the most common color, garnets come in a rainbow of shades. Green Tsavorite and Demantoid garnets, orange Spessartite, pink Rhodolite, and even color-change garnets can rival some of the world’s finest gemstones.
Historically, garnet symbolizes protection, passion, and vitality. It’s said to inspire love and confidence while reenergizing the wearer. Many also associate garnet with strength and commitment—making it a perfect gemstone for jewelry with emotional significance.
Yes, garnet ranks between 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear. However, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive surfaces to preserve its polish and brilliance.
Garnets are mined all over the world—including Tanzania, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Each region produces unique colors and qualities, such as vivid green Tsavorite from Kenya and fiery orange Spessartite from Namibia.
