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