How to Clean Rough Garnets: The Best Methods for Shining Up Your Gems

Garnets are a beloved gemstone that come in a rainbow of natural colors. From deep red pyrope to golden hessonite to vibrant green demantoid, part of the appeal of garnets is their rugged, uncut beauty. However, fresh from the earth, raw garnets often require cleaning to look their best. Proper cleaning enhances their natural hues and luster through safe, gentle methods.

When cleaning raw garnets, always match your approach to the particular stone. Softer stones like demantoid garnet have a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7 and require more care than harder 8+ gems like ruby or sapphire. Additionally, garnets with fractures, chips or inclusions need gentler handling. Assessing the individual characteristics of each stone will guide you in proper cleaning techniques.

In this article, we will explore safe, effective methods for cleaning all varieties of raw garnet gems or crystals. Everything from equipment like soft brushes to the best cleaning solutions will be covered. With some simple tools and techniques, you can safely reveal the inner radiance of your raw garnets. Let’s get started!

What are rough garnets, and where do they come from?

Rough garnets are gemstones that have not been cut or polished. They are often found in nature and can be collected from many different sources. Garnets come in various colors, but red, green, and yellow are the most common. Some of the most popular ways to collect rough garnets are mining them or finding them in streams or rivers.

Identifying Different Types of Garnets

Garnets come in a rainbow of colors and varieties, each with their own unique properties. Here are some tips on how to identify some of the major types:

• Pyrope – This deep red garnet has a vibrant, pure color. Large pyrope garnets are rare and valuable. They are magnesium aluminum silicates.
• Almandine – The most common garnet has a deep red to reddish-brown hue. Iron aluminum silicates give almandine its color. Found worldwide.
• Spessartine – Ranging from orange to a bold red-orange, these garnets contain manganese. Spessartine has good clarity and brilliance.
• Grossular – Often yellow, green, or brown, grossular garnets contain calcium. The most popular is the lime green tsavorite variety.
• Uvarovite – The only consistently green garnet, uvarovite is colored by chromium. It has an emerald look but is much rarer.
• Andradite – Yellow, green, brown, black, or red, andradite garnets contain iron and calcium. Most sought-after is the green demantoid variety.

To identify a garnet variety, look at color, clarity, source location, and hardness. While some types like uvarovite have a consistent look, others like pyrope have a wide range of hues. Garnets also vary in opacity, brilliance, and hardness depending on their composition. Understanding these distinctions helps properly identify the garnet type.

Garnet Variety	Color Range	Hardness	Clarity	Source Locations
Pyrope	Light red to deep red	7 – 7.5	Transparent to translucent	South Africa, Canada, USA
Almandine	Red, reddish-brown, black-red	7 – 7.5	Transparent to opaque	Worldwide
Spessartine	Orange, red-orange, brownish	6.5 – 7	Transparent to translucent	Brazil, Namibia, USA
Grossular	Yellow, green, brown	6.5 – 7.5	Transparent to translucent	Canada, USA, Africa
Uvarovite	Green	7 – 8	Transparent to translucent	Russia, Canada, USA
Andradite	Yellow, green, brown, black	6.5 – 7	Transparent to opaque	Russia, Arizona USA
Demantoid	Vivid green	6.5 – 7	Highly transparent	Russia, Namibia
Tsavorite	Vivid green	7 – 7.5	Transparent to translucent	Kenya, Tanzania

How to clean rough garnets?

There are a few different methods that you can use to clean your rough garnets. However, warm water and soap are the best way to clean them. The step-by-step guide includes the following:

1. Fill a small bowl or container with warm water.
2. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water.
3. Place the rough garnets in the bowl or container.
4. Swish the gems around in the soapy water for a few minutes.
5. Rinse the gems under cool water.
6. Dry the gems with a soft cloth.

If your garnets are especially dirty, you may need to repeat this process a few times. You can also use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime clinging to the gemstone’s surface.

If you are having trouble cleaning your garnet, try using a mild acid such as vinegar or lemon juice. Be sure to rinse the gemstone well after using any acidic solutions.

Cleaning the Matrix from Rough Garnet Stones

In the world of gemstones, the “matrix” refers to the natural rock material in which a gem is found. Sometimes, this matrix adheres to the garnet stones and requires further cleaning beyond simple washing. In such instances, a rock tumbler can come in handy.

1. Place your garnet stones in the rock tumbler. Add a liberal amount of coarse grit, then fill the barrel with water until the stones are just submerged.
2. Seal the rock tumbler and let it run for about a week. This process will help to clean off the matrix and other unwanted material from the garnet’s surface.
3. After the week is up, carefully drain the water and grit from the tumbler (remembering to be environmentally responsible in your disposal methods). Rinse the stones under clean, running water.
4. Now, return the garnets to the tumbler, but this time use a finer grit, repeating the process. This helps to polish garnet stones to a smoother finish.

Precaution: Don’t forget to check the hardness of your garnets. Garnets range from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and using a tumbler with too coarse of a grit could potentially scratch or damage softer specimens.

Sealants

Sealants that can be used on garnets to enhance their appearance and durability after cleaning:

• Jewelers Rouge – This polishing compound contains extremely fine abrasives that can add shine and luster to a garnet’s surface. Use a cloth or polishing wheel to gently buff the rouge onto the stone.
• Renaissance Wax – This microcrystalline fossilized wax is used by museums and jewelers to protect gemstones. It forms a thin protective layer and can enhance color. Apply a small amount and buff lightly.
• Paraloid B-72 – This acrylic resin can be dissolved in solvent and applied with a brush to garnets. Once the solvent evaporates, it leaves a durable, transparent coating.
• Opticon – A jewelry-grade clear epoxy resin that dries hard and adds a glossy finish. Use minimal amounts as it yellows over time.
• Linseed Oil – A natural sealant, linseed oil protects and enhances shine. Wipe a thin layer over the garnet and allow to dry before buffing.
• Zoop Sealant – Specifically formulated for minerals and gems. This thin fluid dries clear and hard while allowing the stone’s color to show through.

Be sure to carefully clean garnets before applying any sealant. Follow product instructions closely, as some sealants like epoxy require mixing two components. Multiple thin layers are better than a single thick coating.

Caring for Your Garnet Jewelry

Garnet makes for beautiful jewelry as the January birthstone. When set into rings, necklaces, and other pieces, extra care is required to keep your garnets looking their best.

• Take caution with fracture-filled stones. These have internal voids filled with glass or resin to improve durability. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning which can dissolve the filler. Instead, use warm soapy water and a soft brush.
• Check the Mohs hardness of your garnets. Softer stones like demantoid (6.5-7) need gentler care than harder gems like pyrope or almandine (7-7.5). Match cleaning to mineral hardness.
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are safest for jewelry with harder gemstones like sapphire or beryl. For softer gems like pearl or opal, use a soft cloth with mild soap and water.
• Store garnet jewelry properly in a soft pouch to prevent scratches. Separate pieces to avoid hard gems nicking softer ones.
• Take garnet jewelry to a professional for regular inspection and cleaning. Ask about fracture-filling and safe methods for care.
• For tarnished metal findings, avoid sulfuric acid dips. Use gentle jewelry cleaner or warm soapy water. Acid can seep into mountings and damage softer gems.

With some basic precautions, your garnet jewelry can stay beautiful for years to come. Protect your investment by understanding proper care based on the gem’s hardness and clarity.

Storing Garnet Jewelry: Keep Your Stones Looking Beautiful for Years to Come

After you’ve cleaned and possibly tumbled your garnets, you might decide to turn them into garnet jewelry. Here are some tips on how to store garnet pieces to maintain their luster and prevent any potential damage.

• Avoid sharp blows or pressure on garnets. Their fracture toughness can vary. Softer stones like demantoid are more prone to chipping or cracking if knocked against hard surfaces.
• Keep garnets away from sudden temperature changes. Rapid heating or cooling can cause fractures or chips, especially in inclusion-heavy stones. Slow temperature changes are safer.
• Prevent excess humidity and moisture. Garnets can be prone to clouding, fracturing, and oxidizing if stored in very humid environments. The ideal humidity level is around 45-55%.
• Use separate padded compartments in jewelry boxes to prevent scratching, chipping, and fractures from stones rubbing together. Necklaces and bracelets should be stored flat.
• Periodically clean garnet jewelry with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners on softer stones. This removes accumulated grime and oils that can dull the surface.
• Avoid getting perfumes, chemicals, or cleaners on garnets as these can potentially damage or discolor the gemstone.
• For extra protection, high quality garnets could be stored in safe deposit boxes, compared to fashion jewelry pieces worn regularly.

Garnet Stones Around the World

Garnet stones can be found in a variety of locations across the globe, with each site producing garnets of unique color and quality. Here are a few notable locations:

• Garnet Hill, Nevada, USA: This is a public garnet collection site where the ground is littered with small almandine garnet specimens. These garnets are usually embedded in a matrix of schist, a type of metamorphic rock.
• Green Mountain, Vermont, USA: The Green Mountain Forest is home to a famous garnet mine that has been operational since the 1800s. The garnets found here are of the almandine variety and are recognized for their high quality.
• Tsavo National Park, Kenya: This park is known for its tsavorite garnets, a rare and vivid green variety.
• The Ural Mountains, Russia: These mountains are famous for their deep red, gem-quality almandine garnets.
• Southern India: This region produces a variety of garnets, but the most famous is the star garnet, which displays a four or six-rayed star when viewed under direct light.

Note: Always exercise respect for the environment when visiting these locations and others. Responsible collection ensures that these resources can be enjoyed by future generations.

Tips and tricks

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your garnets. These can damage the surface of the gemstone.
• If you use an acidic solution to clean your garnet, rinse it well afterward.
• Always dry your garnet after cleaning it. This will help prevent it from rusting or tarnishing over time.
• Store your garnet in a cool, dry place to make their life longer. Avoid exposure to sunlight or heat, as this can damage the gemstone.

FAQ

What is the best way to clean my garnet?

Warm water and dish soap are the best way to clean your garnet. You can also use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime clinging to the gemstone's surface.

Can I use muriatic acid for cleaning garnet?

No, you should not use muriatic acid for cleaning garnet. Harsh chemicals can damage the surface of the gemstone.

Can I use oxalic acid for cleaning garnet?

Yes, you can use oxalic acid for cleaning garnet. Be sure to rinse the gemstone well after using any acidic solutions.

How do I store my garnet?

Store your garnet in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to sunlight or heat, as this can damage the gemstone.

Final words

Have you ever tried cleaning a garnet? If not, now is the time! The results will be impressive. Garnets come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, but red is the most common color. You can find rough garnets in many different places, including online and at gemstone shows. Be sure to store your garnet in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to sunlight or heat, as this can damage the gemstone. Thanks for reading!