Collection: Black garnet

Black garnet, also called melanite , is a dark variety of the garnet group, generally belonging to the andradite subfamily.

🔍 General characteristics

• Name : Black garnet or melanite

• Family : Silicate (garnet group)

• Chemical formula : Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃ (for andradite)

• Color : Deep black, sometimes with brownish highlights

• Hardness : 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale

• Luster : Vitreous to submetallic

• Transparency : Generally opaque

🧬 Composition

Black garnet is rich in iron and calcium , which explains its dark hue. It also contains titanium in some varieties (such as schorlomite), which can accentuate the black color.

🌍 Origin and deposits

Black garnet is found in:

• Metamorphic rocks (schists, gneiss)

• Igneous rocks rich in iron and calcium

• Alluvial deposits , in the form of small rolled crystals

Main producing countries:

• Russia

• UNITED STATES

• Italy

• Sri Lanka

• Madagascar

💎 Uses

• Jewelry : Used as a gemstone, especially in cabochon or faceted cuts (although it is less prized than red or green garnets).

• Collection : appreciated by mineralogists for its unique color.

• Industrial : some garnets, including black ones, are used as abrasives (cutting, sandblasting, etc.).

🧘♂️ Symbolism and lithotherapy

• Black garnet is believed to ground , protect , and strengthen emotional stability .

• It is associated with the root chakra .

• It is said to have virtues of energetic protection and inner strength .