Spessartite, also known as Spessartine, is a dazzling gemstone that ranges in color from bright yellow-orange to orange to red-orange.
This gemstone takes its name from Spessart, a region in Bavaria, Germany, where it was first discovered. In the trade, stones with a vibrant yellow-orange hue are sometimes referred to as "Mandarin Garnets."
Today, notable mining locations for Spessartite include Nigeria, Mozambique, Namibia, Madagascar, and Tanzania.
It's worth noting that most gem-quality garnets are actually a combination of two or more species. Spessartites, specifically, are a blend of Spessartine and Almandine Garnets. The Almandine component typically contributes to the reddish tones in the gem's color.
Garnets belong to a large family of silicate minerals that possess similar physical properties but vary in their chemical composition.
While pure Garnet would appear colorless, it's the presence of trace elements that grant garnets their vibrant colors. For instance, iron and chromium contribute to shades of red and green, chromium and vanadium produce greens, and manganese generates pinks and oranges.
Garnet is not only the birthstone for January but also holds significance as a gemstone to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary. It comes in a wide array of colors, including the rare color-change material.
