Untreated Hessonite Garnet 8.56 (LOH856)

8.56 Carat
Reddish Auburn Orange
Medium Dark 60-80
Lightly Included

GRADING REPORT LOH856

- Identification: Natural Unheated & Untreated Hessonite Garnet
- Carat: 8.56
- Shape: Oval Brilliant
- Measures: 14.80x10.02x6.86 (millimeter)
- Color Grade: Good
- Tone: Medium Dark 60-80
- Color Zoning: Darker in both tips
- Clarity: Lightly included
- Cutting Grade: Very Good
  > Brilliancy: 50%
  > Depth: 68%
- Origin: Madagascar
- Treatment: None

Certificate No: GCI 1612GNH0046

Overall Grade: Good

Comment: Massive but affordable 'cinnamon stone', the old name for hessonite used in the days when they were one of the most fabled and widely known gemstones right next to ruby and emerald. The legends surrounding these gems include dragons, soothsayers, witches, and, of course, all types of healing and astrology. Perhaps a book could be filled with the history of hessonite (idea stored for later). This 8+ carat stone comes from Madagascar, the gemological twin island of Sri Lanka and classic origin of hessonite. Note, the images do NOT show the symmetrically darkening tone towards the outer edges. The center is Medium Dark 60, while the outer edges are closer to Medium Dark 80. This is, strictly spoken, not 'color zoning' but a natural change of tone that must have been present in the crystal which it was facetted from. I can't get myself to call this a flaw but it justifies a discount. Inclusions, and swirls, are visible only under the lens. Antique hand-cut, well done, no window but 15x10mm face-up, a serious size. Can be set 'cocktail style', or in a gent's ring or a pendant. Let us set it as a Jyotish gem, we know the requirements. Sister stone makes a pair here.