ORIGIN
Western Australia

DIMENSIONS
5mm x 5mm diameter x 3.2mm deep

CARAT WEIGHT
2 = 1.40ct

CUT
Square cushion cut

COLOUR
Good red

TREATMENT
None

COMMENTS This lovely pair of almandine type red garnets were mined in Western Australia. They contain some inclusions called ‘silk’ which have developed naturally during formation. These inclusions do not detract from their beauty. These garnets would be perfect for a pair of earrings or as accent stones in a ring.

Garnets are mined in several Australian locations including WA (Port Gregory), NSW (Broken Hill), NT (Harts Ranges) and QLD (Mt Garnet) in a variety of fossicking localities and professional mining operations. They have been mined in Port Gregory in Western Australia since the 1970’s where they are found in mineralised sand dunes. These garnets are generally not large gem-quality crystals, hence the smaller size.

DURABILITY Garnet hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale depending on the type of garnet. For example, almandine, pyrope, spessartine and tsavorite are on the harder side while demantoid is a bit softer. Garnets have fair to good toughness making them durable enough for all jewellery styles, provided they are treated with proper care; avoid rough blows or hard wear. Garnets are suitable for occasional wear rings, or daily wear rings with protective settings.