Garnets, with their fiery allure and rich history, stand as a testament to the marvels nature bestows upon us.
Garnets take shape within the Earth's crust and upper mantle. Their formation involves a fascinating process occurring over millions of years.
Picture ordinary rocks, like sandstone or shale, sitting miles below the Earth's surface. Over time, due to tectonic shifts or intense pressure and heat from Earth's internal forces, these rocks change. The minerals inside them, like mica, feldspar, or quartz, undergo a makeover, transforming into garnets through a process called "metamorphism."
As these rocks endure immense pressure and heat, minerals rearrange themselves to form garnets. What's fascinating is that the colors we see in these gemstones—reds, greens, oranges—are influenced by different elements present during their creation. For instance, iron can turn them red, while chromium might create green shades.
Garnets aren't hidden deep within the Earth forever. They're found across the globe, from India to the United States. Miners discover them in riverbeds or in rocks formed by immense heat and pressure. Their diversity, ranging from deep reds to sparkling greens, stems from their formation in various geological settings.