Almandine

Tsavorite

Spessartine

Rhodolite


Garnet is not a single species of gemstone, but is actually a group or family of gems with a common chemical structure. This is represented by R3M2(SiO4)3, where R might be Ca (Calcium), Mg (Magnesium), Mn (Manganese), or Fe (Ferrous Iron) and M might be Al (Aluminum), Fe (Ferric Iron), or Cr (Chromium).

Most Garnets are a mixture of these elements and the Garnets are classified by whichever pair is most predominent. Because of this mixture, the properties of the various garnets vary considerably. However, all Garnets have good Durability and Hardness (7-7.5), high Specific Gravity (3.6-4.2), and a high Refractive Index (1.73-1.81) making them suitable for most jewellery applications.
See Significance of these properties   (FAQ # 5)

The colors of Garnets also vary considerably depending on the type of elements present. In fact garnets exist in any color except Blue (See examples below)

Almandine is the iron-aluminum member of the garnet family. Chemical Formula ----Fe3Al2(SiO4)3. The color ranges from dark brownish red to dark purplish red. Go to Almandine Garnet.

Rhodolite is a mixture of almandine and pyrope,{the magnesium- aluminum garnet, Mg3Al2(SiO4)3}. Its Chemical Formula could be written ----Fe/Mg3Al2(SiO4)3. If either Fe or Mg exceeds 60% of the composition, the stone is judged to be Almandine or Pyrope. The color ranges from brownish red to purplish red. Go to Rhodolite Garnet.  
Tsavorite is the calcium-chromium member of the garnet family. Chemical Formula ----Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3. The color ranges from a light yellowish green to an intense pure green. Go to Tsavorite Garnet.
Hessonite is the calcium-aluminum member of the garnet family. Chemical Formula ----Ca3Al2(SiO4)3. The color ranges from dark yellow to reddish orange. Go to Hessonite Garnet.  
Spessartine is the manganese-aluminum member of the garnet family. Chemical Formula ----Mn3Al2(SiO4)3. The color ranges from yellowish to reddish orange. Go to Spessartine Garnet.  

 
 
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