18k yellow gold Australian Black Opal earrings accented with Mint Garnet (Style ENBFS1501831EI)

Mint Garnet

Origin: Africa

Phenomenon: Color Change

Species: Garnet

Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on Mohs Scale

Birthstone Month: January

Merelani Mint Garnet is named for the region of Tanzania where it was discovered and the light green color that gem collectors love.

A member of the grossular garnet family, it is close cousins with Tsavorite Garnet.

The nature of garnet allows for excellent light return and luster.

The green color variations are provided by the trace element chromium.

Merelani mint garnet group of various gemstones

Mint Garnet has a slight color shift depending on viewing light and fluoresces orange under UV light.

The cool bluish green color of Mint Garnet makes it a desirable and rare addition to the garnet world.

Gem Junkies episode: Green & Hairy Grossular Garnet Gooseberry