Garnet
Chemical Formula: X2+3Y3+2Si3O12
Chemical and Physical
Different Shades of Garnet
Raw Garnet
Polished
Other Facts:
Morefield Gem Mine, in Virginia is one of the biggest mines that harnesses this gem.
Open pit mining- one method used to extract this gem which requires the workers to dig up the soil from the area and then chip the rock out using machinery. This method is very damaging to the environment, mainly the soil.
Once removed, workers wash, screen, and sort the gems by quality. This process is done usually by machines or conveyors built specifically for this job.
In marketing, usually the more brokers or distributors who have handled the gem, the higher the price. A garnet of 1 carat will run in the range of 90-130 USD depending on it's color among other factors.
Past and Present Uses and other facts!
Present- Abrasive Blasting and Waterjet Cutting
When accessing this gem, the mining method (mentioned above) destroys the soil.
A different method that employs the use of water which is a less damaging method is now being used more often.
Citations
Wood, J. Lang. "How Is Garnet Mined & Processed?" EHow. Demand Media, 4 May 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.
Olson, Donald W. "Gemstones - Garnet." Gemstones - Garnet. USGS, 11 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.
Alexus Foster
4th block
11-9-14