Color Change Garnet

Item Description

Taita, Kenya has produced a stunning range of gem material including some of the most interesting gem garnets. This 1.75 ct oval garnet shows a marked color change from burgundy-red to mossy-green depending on the lighting. When these were initially discovered, the miner hoped he had found alexandrites, due to the intense color change that's more typical of chrysoberyl var. alexandrite, but further testing revealed the discovery was producing fascinating garnets instead! The coloring on these is completely natural, and not due to heating or other treatments. They are very unique collector stones that also double as interesting pieces to make jewelry out of, especially as the color change effect makes them look like large alexandrites.