Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Hessonite is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone and along with Tsavorite it belongs to the grossularite (GRAHSS-you-lar-ite) garnet group. While the supply of Hessonite is limited, good size, natural loose gemstones are available but they will typically be included. Sometimes known as the cinnamon stone or champagne garnet, Hessonite has been enjoyed since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Ranging in color from fiery reddish orange to a caramel color, the most highly prized specimens are reddish to orangey brown.

COLOR:
Hessonite comes in a narrow range of colors ranging from yellow-orange to reddish orange.

APPEARANCE:
Transparent to semitransparent, Hessonite is usually included.

SIZE RANGE:
1 to 15 carats, faceted gems of 25 carats are known.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: most cutting styles are available.
Semitransparent: cabochons and beads

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Hessonite has no known enhancements.

HARDNESS:
7 to 7½ on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Hessonite can be used in all types of jewelry.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: abrupt temperature changes can cause fracturing.
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Hessonite derives its name from the Greek word “esson” which means inferior or soft. Hessonite is one of the softest garnets but by no means inferior in quality. Ancient Greeks and Romans used this gem extensively in jewelry. Hessonite ranges in color from a fiery reddish orange to a caramel color and gemologists often label it as “treacle” (after the English candy made from the golden syrup that is a by product of sugar refining) or “scotch in water”. Hessonite is sometimes referred to as the “cinnamon stone” because of its yellowish to orangey brown color, very light orange Hessonite is sometimes called champagne garnet.

DESIGNATION:
Garnet is the birthstone for January.

GEM LORE