2006-09-30 11:36:34 · 3 answers · asked by wisecrack 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Color change garnet is the the only known example of blue garnet. Color shift from blue, bluish green to slightly purplish red, red-orange, red.
The color change can be intense and equal to the color change of top quality alexandrite. Some of the best stones are from the deposit in Bekily, Southern Madagascar. Stones from this mine are well known for their strong alexandrite like color change.
To appreciate the full range of color change in these stones, one needs to observe the stones under early morning light, fluorescent light, late afternoon sunlight, and incandescent light.
Average gem traders price is about $180 per ct. Obviously, jeweller will put about 2.5 to 3.5 mark-up on it. You can check prices further or buy color change garnet at Multicolour Gems website:
http://www.multicolour.com/gallery/?/gallery/color_change_garnet/
2006-09-30 19:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by Karl K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Natural blue is very rare: manmade can be found, if you want that.
See the web sites below for details.
Info:
http://secretsofthegemtrade.com/articles_8.htm
http://www.istc.ru/istc/sc.nsf/news/science-news-blue-garnet-stones.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garnet
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/materials_science/report-27500.html
Photo:
http://www.scotgem.demon.co.uk/bluegarnet.html
As far as buying it, apparently there are some out there, usually sold at gem shows. I'd suggest checking those out.
2006-09-30 18:59:01 · answer #2 · answered by Rockmeister B 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Difficult question.
Try the links.
JewelryTV seems the best place to me.
Good luck.
2006-09-30 19:27:25 · answer #3 · answered by zurioluchi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋