Spessartine or spessartite, is a nesosilicate, manganese aluminium garnet species, Mn2+3Al2(SiO4)3. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Heritage Auctions. The vivid orange or reddish orange garnet is known as spessartite or spessartine, with the name derived from Spessart, Bavaria in Germany where the mineral was first discovered.The bright yellowish orange color is sometimes referred to as mandarin garnet, though this is a trade name, not a gemological name.Today most spessartite originates from Africa. Instead, they are usually a mix. Spessartite Garnet is the orange variety of Garnet. gem ID checklist tutorial. White gold ring with an oval-cut spessartite garnet in a claw setting, between trios of single-cut diamonds. Namibia, Nigeria, and Tanzania are major sources of spessartites, including mandarins. It is the zodiac stone for those born under the sign of Aquarius and utilizes Fire energy. “Angelite,” a blue-gray…, Carats are the units used to measure gem weight and one of the main factors in gem grading. In at least one instance, lab-created corundum was sold as natural spessartite rough. The International Gem Society (IGS) is the world's top resource for gem professionals, enthusiasts, and industry content. Gemstones - Spessartite Garnet "Is it any wonder that we were quoted prices just over the $1,000 per carat mark at Tucson for luscious large spessartite? Spessartine can be confused with hessonite garnet or yellow topaz. Spessartite is synonymous with Spessartine, though in the gem trade the name Spessartite is more frequently used, and in the mineral trade the term Spessartine is more frequently used. International Gem Society LLC. However, as blends with other garnet species, they include popular mandarin and malaya garnets as well as color change gems. Spessartite garnet is ideochromatic, meaning that it is colored by a fundamental element in its composition. Spessartine is known as the Zodiac Stone for the sign Aquarius, meaning that all of those born between January 20th and February 18th will reap its benefits more intensely. Used with permission. [1] Spessartine of an orange-yellow has been called Mandarin garnet and is found in Madagascar. Spessartines are found in bedrock in the highlands in the Sahatany valley. Spessartite is also known as Spessartine and is a bright yellow-orange to orange to red-orange gem. Spessartite is a synonym of spessartine. Either term is acceptable when referring to these garnets. However upon detailed inspection, its lace or feather-like inclusions make spessartine distinguishable. San Diego County, California, especially at Ramona, has produced fine, orange gems. Spessartine (a.k.a. “Aurora red,” a highly saturated reddish orange hue with medium to medium-dark tone, is also a prized color for spessartites. Before the discovery of mandarin garnets in the 1990s, bright, orangish reds were the most valuable spessartite colors. [1][2][3][4] The mineral spessartine should not be confused with a type of igneous rock (a lamprophyre) called spessartite. Used with permission. Spessartite is its own species of garnet and is coloured by manganese and iron, … spessartine) is derived from Spessart, in N.W. Used with permission. Spessartine's name is a derivative of Spessart in Bavaria, Germany, the type locality of the mineral. Spessartine is an alternative term for spessartite. It will extend your strengths and compensate for the weaknesses. Spessartine, previously called spessartite, is one of the most rare forms of garnet. Explore a range of gemological tests… not only will you get familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts. Used with permission. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist! Magnetic susceptibility measurement (SI) is the most definitive test for separating these 2 species, but this requires a Hoover balance. Spessartine, manganese aluminum garnet that is a semiprecious gem when clear. Buy Spessartite Garnet Gemstones. Light bluish green (transmitted fluorescent) to purple (reflected); light red to purplish red (incandescent). Used with permission. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Spessartine is the manganese-aluminum variety of Garnet, belonging to its sub-group of aluminum garnets. Both mean the same thing, only “spessartite” is more widely used in gem trading while “spessartine” is more common in the mineral trade. Its energy radiates in shades of dark gold, orange, deep red. In addition, synthetic garnets such as yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) can be created in almost any color, including orange and reddish orange, and could serve as spessartite simulants. → Buy Spessartine Garnet at Ebay. Accessibility Statement, Join our mailing list below to download a Oval-cut spessartite (mandarin) garnet, 2.68 cts, 8.5 x 7.3 x 5.0 mm, Nigeria. Possible weak bands at 504 or 573 nm, This page was last edited on 3 January 2021, at 01:25. Join our mailing list below to download a FREE gem ID checklist tutorial. The International Gem Society (IGS) has a list of businesses offering Terms of Use HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Spessartine and other colored garnet-group minerals were among the first crystals ever used as gemstones. Usually orange to reddish brown, gem-quality spessartite or spessartine garnets are somewhat rare. Be aware, however, that the term “spessartite” is used to refer to a type of lamprophyre igneous rock also named after the Spessart Mountains of Germany. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Auctionata Paddle 8 AG. Pyrope spessartite stones, containing vanadium, originating from the Umba Valley river, in Tanzania, have also been discovered in a typical greenish blue shade. The garnet group can be classified into two primary classes; pyrospites (aluminum) and ugandites (calcium) garnets. FREE Spessartite cabochons, pear (10.64 cts) and oval (5.98 cts), Nigeria. Spessartine garnets, also called spessartite, are orange to dark brownish orange in color; most could be described as a “root beer” color. Large spessartite stones are very rare and usually quite dark. Used with permission. It's sometimes referred to as spessartine, although spessartine is more frequently used for the mineral, while spessartite is more commonly used for the gemstone. Used with permission. These stones have yielded gems up to about 15-20 carats. That includes a component in skarns are usually small, but red spessartines found... 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