Umbalite garnet question

[SouthernGent]

Are umbalite garnets typically less dark than "regular" garnet? I've seen a lot of garnets that look so dark it's hard to see them sparkle unless they are in direct sunlight.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I'd say yes, Umba Valley garnets (Malaya types) tend to be lighter in tone. Like anything else, there will be a scale... I've seen dark bodied material from TZ too. So I would evaluate each stone individually. Did you have one in mind you can share?

 

[ShinyPink]

Mine has more pinky-purple in it, instead of the reds.
Here's a good answer from Gene from an old thread:

An Umbalite garnet is essentially a rhodolite garnet, the refractive index and other properties are the same. An Umbalite garnet got it’s name from the source of the Umba valley, and to be called Umbalite, they are a lighter more pink color than the typical rhodolite. Rhodolite are a mix of Pyrope and Almandine garnets. There is also another garnet called Umba garnet that is different than rhodolite, but also comes from East Africa. These Umba stones are more red with some orange. From your pictures, the stone you are calling an Umbalite, looks more like an Umba garnet to me.
East Africa is rich in garnets, with so many mixes of types, that names often come from the locations they are found. Most of the garnets from this region are a mix of Pyrope, Grossular, Almandine and Spessartite. There is a lot of debate on the proper names for these and how to classify them. There is a whole book devoted to naming garnets by W. Hanneman Phd called “Naming Gem Garnets”.

 

[SouthernGent]

I'd say yes, Umba Valley garnets (Malaya types) tend to be lighter in tone. Like anything else, there will be a scale... I've seen dark bodied material from TZ too. So I would evaluate each stone individually. Did you have one in mind you can share?

Yes ma'am, I saw this one from Jeff Davies on gemrockauctions: https://www.gemrockauctions.com/products/custom-cut-196ct-umbalite-garnet-tanzania-2498620

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Wow! I love the suggestion of orange within that pink.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Yes ma'am, I saw this one from Jeff Davies on gemrockauctions: https://www.gemrockauctions.com/products/custom-cut-196ct-umbalite-garnet-tanzania-2498620

Oh that's lovely... and Daniel is so nice to work with. I might email him and ask about the tone. My guess would be medium-dark in person (6). He'll give it to your straight. The color and cut are incredible!!

 

[lovedogs]

Oh that's lovely... and Daniel is so nice to work with. I might email him and ask about the tone. My guess would be medium-dark in person (6). He'll give it to your straight. The color and cut are incredible!!

Totally agree, I think he will give you an honest answer

 

[musicloveranthony]

That looks really pretty - I'd expect it to be dark but not black. It has a great color and doesn't look like it has unpleasant orange or brown tones to it.

 

[SouthernGent]

Oh that's lovely... and Daniel is so nice to work with. I might email him and ask about the tone. My guess would be medium-dark in person (6). He'll give it to your straight. The color and cut are incredible!!

Who is Daniel?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Who is Daniel?

He is Jeff's son.