Malaya Garnet Gemstone Information

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Malaya (malaia) garnet is one of the rarer and more interesting 'hybrid' varieties of garnet. It is primarily a mix of pyrope and spessartine, which was first discovered in the 1960s. It was discovered in the Umba River Valley bordering Tanzania and Kenya, which remains the primary source for malaya garnet. GIA classifies malaya garnet as only a pyrope-spessartite species, but this may not be the case for all malaya garnet.

For the most part, malaya garnet has been considered a variety of pyrope, since most tested specimens contained higher percentages of pyrope as their primary component. However, over the years, many malaya garnet specimens were discovered to contain equal parts of both spessartite or almandine. In some cases, stones also contained minor traces of grossular and andradite. Research has now shown that its composition can be highly variable, ranging anywhere from 2 to 94% spessartite, 0 to 83% pyrope, 2 to 78% almandine, 0 to 24% grossular and 0 to 4% andradite.

The term "malaya" originates from a Swahili word meaning 'outcast' or 'prostitute'. Miners coined this name because local dealers initially refused to purchase it, as it did not fit into any standard garnet categories and was disregarded. Initially thought to be a type of spessartite, early malaya garnet findings were often mixed with rhodolite garnet parcels. Due to its irregular production and rarity, malaya garnet is highly valued by gem collectors. Larger specimens, particularly those exceeding 3 to 5 carats, significantly increase in value and can command high premiums.

Identifying Malaya Garnet Malaya Garnet Origin Buying Malaya Garnet Malaya Garnet Gemological Properties Malaya Garnet; Related Gems Malaya Garnet Mythology Malaya Garnet Jewelry Malaya Garnet Gemstone Care

Malaya Garnet Click to enlarge image

Malaya garnet is found primarily in East Africa's Umba River Valley which borders northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya. In 1993, discoveries of similar material were also reported in Southern Tanzania. There have also been deposits found in both Madagascar and Sri Lanka (Ceylon).

Malaya Garnet Color

Malaya garnet occurs in a variety of unique and interesting colors including pinkish-orange, reddish-orange and yellowish-orange, all with varying light and dark tones. The rarest malaya colors include honey-peach, cinnamon, pinkish-orange and near-colorless. Orangey stones are typically rarer than reddish, and stones with lesser amounts of brown are considered more desirable. Malaya garnet is known to exhibit scintillating flashes of red, incomparable to any other type of garnet. The cause of the color is manganese and sometimes iron.

'Umbalite garnet' is a name used for malaya garnet from the Umba Valley that exhibits a red color with a slight hint of orange. 'Imperial garnet' is a trade name used to refer to bright pinkish-orange stones which are neither too dark nor too pale. Some pale pink specimens may exhibit a reddish or gold color change. Some orange-red stones may also exhibit a brownish-orange color change. Color change malaya garnet is still classified as malaya garnet based on identical chemical composition.

Malaya Garnet Clarity and Luster

Malaya garnet is considered to be a 'type II' stone according to the GIA's colored stone clarity scale. This means that most malaya garnet will exhibit some visible inclusions, typically rutile, pyrite or apatite. The most common inclusions are small needle-like clusters of rutile. When polished, malaya garnet has an attractive glass-like (vitreous) luster.

Malaya Garnet Cut and Shape

Malaya garnets have remarkable fire and dispersion. This means that they are most often faceted rather than cut en cabochon. Any cut and shape that maximizes fire and minimizes color darkness is ideal. The most effective shapes for this include cushions, rounds and ovals.

Malaya Garnet Treatment

Like most garnets, malaya garnet is typically never treated or enhanced in any way.

Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms.

Mali Garnet

The garnet group of gemstones is one of the most important in the gemstone industry. The garnet family also includes pyrope, almandine, spessartite, grossularite, uvarovite and andradite. Although there are only six distinct types of garnet, garnet commonly forms with more than just one mineral, which results in numerous hybrid gemstone varieties. In fact, very rarely is any garnet ever in pure form; for example, stones sold as 'pyrope' or 'almandine' almost always contain some traces of another garnet species. There are a number of other gemstones and minerals that can be easily mistaken for garnet stones, particularly because of the wide variety of colors and localities in which garnet can occur. Some of the most commonly confused materials include spinel, chrysoberyl, alexandrite, tourmaline and sapphire.

Most Popular Related Gemstones:

Tsavorite garnet, star garnet, pyrope garnet, almandine garnet, rhodolite garnet, grossular (grossularite) garnet, spessartite garnet and demantoid garnet are among the most popular garnet varieties.

Lesser-Known Related Gemstones:

Hydrogrossular garnet, andradite garnet, leuco garnet, melanite garnet, topazolite garnet, uvarovite garnet, Mali garnet and color change garnet are among the lesser-known garnet varieties.

Garnet is January's birthstone and is also associated with the zodiacal sign of Aquarius. Garnet is said to be a stone that encourages romance, love and passion. It is said to enhance sensuality, intimacy and sexuality. Garnet can strengthen one's level of creativity. It is also believed to boost positive energy, and self-confidence. Furthermore, garnet is thought to encourage business success.

Garnets were once used to treat and heal those with infectious disease, blood poisoning, heart issues and lung problems. It is considered to be a protective stone, protecting wearers from evil as well as nightmares and bad dreams. It is an excellent stone used in spiritual healing. Although garnet is primarily associated with the root chakra, depending upon its color, it can also be useful for opening up other chakras as well.

Malaya garnet can be used in all types of jewelry and is quite suitable for any design. Its hardness ranges from 6.50 to 7.00 on the Mohs scale, which makes it resistant to wear and tear. The absence of cleavage also adds to its durability. Malaya garnet also has remarkable dispersion and brilliance which makes it perfect for daily-wear rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, pins, and pendants. However, since hessonite is one of the rarer varieties of garnet, it is not normally found in local jewelry stores. Also, because it is typically untreated, it is commonly worn in planetary and astrological jewelry. Anniversary and eternity bands often use malaya garnet, due to the fact that garnet is the 2nd year wedding anniversary gemstone. Malaya garnet can also be found in many traditional birthstone jewelry designs. Best of all, malaya garnet is often available in large sizes, unlike many rare garnets.

Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamonds by weight in comparison.

Malaya garnet can be cleaned using warm water and a mild soap or detergent. You can wipe down your stones with a soft cloth or brush. After wiping, be sure to rinse your gems and jewelry well to ensure that all soapy residue is removed. Avoid extreme heat and temperature fluctuations as this may cause fracturing. Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended and steamers should be avoided, as well as the use of harsh household chemicals and cleaners, including bleach or hydrofluoric acid, since chemicals can cause corrosion.

Although malaya garnet is quite durable, it is still recommended to always remove any jewelry before engaging in vigorous physical activities, such as exercise or sports. When removing jewelry, do not pull from the stone as this can weaken prongs, eventually leading to a lost stone. When storing malaya garnet gems and jewelry, wrap them in a soft cloth or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box.