Mali Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Comments

Gemological study has established that Mali garnets have a composition somewhere between grossular (calcium aluminum silicate) and andradite (calcium iron silicate). This blend is sometimes called "grandite."

Mali garnets are predominantly grossular, but the variable admixture of andradite changes its characteristics in at least one important way. While this hybrid seems to favor its grossular parent in terms of refractive index (1.77 in most specimens) and hardness, its superb dispersion comes from its andradite heritage.

Some rare Mali garnets may show a color change from grayish green in fluorescent light to brown in incandescent light. Nevertheless, most color change garnets are a pyrope-spessartite blend.

Mined from alluvial deposits, most Mali garnet rough typically shows rounded, waterworn shapes.

Faceted stones with a light body color will show off their brilliance spectacularly.

Enhancements

No known synthetics or enhancements for this gemstone are known on the market.

Sources

The Kayes region of Mali is the only known source of this gemstone.

Care

No special precautions are necessary when setting or wearing these gems, so they're suitable for all jewelry uses. Our garnet engagement ring guide has more information on garnet jewelry.

Unlike some of their relatives, Mali garnets aren't heat sensitive. However, you should still clean these garnets with warm water, detergent, and a soft brush. Consult our gemstone care guide and gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more information.