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Striking Demantoid Garnet

Cushion-cut Demantoid Garnet weighing 1.50 carats. (CS5447)

Cushion-cut Demantoid Garnet


This is a stunning Demantoid Garnet that has an incredible vivid green hue with subtle flashes of yellow.  It displays excellent fire and brilliance which are trademarks of finer quality Demantoid.

Demantoid is a rare type of garnet that is found in only a few localities.  The finest demantoids are found in the Ural Mountains of Russia which is also the historical original source for this intense green garnet.   Demantoid is also found in Namibia and Arizona, however gems from these localities are not generally as intense in color as the Demantoids found in Russia. 

Demantoid is a variety of the Garnet Species Andradite and always occurs in some type of green.  The green hue can vary from a yellowish Green (similar to Peridot) to a strong pure green like emerald.

The name Demantoid is derived from the Dutch word demant which means diamond,  because Demantoid is very high in luster (subadamantine) and dispersion, rivaling that of diamond.   In fact, early miners and dealers thought Demantoid crystals were Green Diamonds !

Like Alexandrite, Demantoid Garnet was discovered in the late 1800's and was favored by the Russian Czarist Court and also the preeminent jeweler Karl Fabergé .

Stones with a lighter body color and leaning towards the yellowish Green hue may also present the desired rainbow-like array of colors known as fire.  This fire is caused by high dispersion, even greater than what is seen in diamonds.  Dispersion or fire is the result of white light reaching the surface of a prism (such as a cut gemstone) and being split into the many spectral hues of light seen in the visible spectrum.  What we see is a dazzling rainbow of colors.

Cushion-cut Demantoid Garnet weighing 1.50 carats. (CS5447)

When examining colored gemstones, gemologists also look for clarity features (such as inclusions).  Generally, the fewer inclusions seen in a gemstone, the higher the grade.  However, with Demantoid, there is a particular type of inclusion that is much sought after and can actually increase the value of this gem.  Such inclusions, known as "horsetail inclusions", are actually byssolite and chrysotile fibers (a form of asbestos crystal).  These needle like inclusions can appear as curved golden threads that resemble the tail of a horse.

Gemologists enjoy finding horsetail inclusions in demantoid garnets because they are proof that the gem is a natural demantoid.   Collectors also admire the horsetail inclusions and actually prefer to purchase stones with nicely formed horsetail shaped inclusions.

I love the rich green hue of this Demantoid as well as it's beautiful cut.  This cushion cut has some extra facets at the North, South, East and West positions forming extra points that add a dynamic line to the shape, which would be nicely accentuated in a full bezel setting.

I look forward to working with a client who wishes to create a special jewel featuring this rare gem.  If you would like to learn more about this Demantoid,
please send me an email



Cost: Although this striking gemstone has sold, you will find many more beautiful gems in the Gemstone Gallery.

Color: slightly yellowish-Green Hue, medium tone and moderately-Strong saturation level; good amount of fire and brilliance

Cut: This beautiful Demantoid Garnet is a modified cushion cut.  It measures 7.2 by 6.1 millimeters and is 4.4 millimeters in depth.

Weight: 1.50 carats

Gemstone Note: We believe that this Demantoid has not been heated or enhanced.


Looking for some design ideas to feature this exceptional gemstone?  Here are a few designs that would be ideal for this special Demantoid Garnet ...


A cushion-cut Tsavorite garnet set in a beautifully hand crafted and engraved platinum ring. Architectural Tourmaline ring. (J3283) Engraved Koi fish and Tourmaline ring. (J8709)



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