18k Yellow Gold Ring with a 3.63 ct Black Opal accented with Mint Garnets and Diamonds (Style RNBOV497363EI)

14k Yellow Gold Ring with a 1.55 ct Mint Garnet (Style RPF293MGXCI)

Mint Garnet

Origin: Africa

Phenomenon: Color Change

Species: Garnet

Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on Mohs Scale

Birthstone Month: January

Merelani mint garnet derives its name from the region in Tanzania where it was initially unearthed. Belonging to the Grossular garnet family, it shares a close kinship with its counterpart, tsavorite garnet. The inherent qualities of garnet, such as its exceptional light reflection and luster, contribute to its appeal as a gemstone.

Mint garnet exhibits a subtle color shift, dependent on the lighting conditions, adding to its intrigue. Furthermore, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, it emits an enchanting orange fluorescence. The interplay of varying lights and the unique color characteristics of mint garnet make it a captivating gem to behold.

Interestingly, the presence of pristine and unblemished mint garnet crystals serves as an indicator of a potential discovery of tanzanite. The correlation between the two gemstones suggests that the presence of high-quality mint garnet crystals may signify the proximity of tanzanite deposits, making the search for such specimens an exciting prospect for gemstone enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Learn more on our podcast:

Gem Junkies episode: Green & Hairy Grossular Garnet Gooseberry