The facts
What hessonite actually is
The species behind hessonite is grossular garnet, Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃; it forms in the cubic system.
Iron and manganese is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.73–1.75 and a specific gravity of about 3.57–3.73, with none cleavage.
Where hessonite comes from
Commercial material comes from Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Brazil and Canada.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
Is hessonite treated?
None.
Nothing needs disclosing, and nothing about the stone can change after you buy it. If a price looks impossible, the risk is substitution rather than treatment.
What hessonite is confused with
Watch for Spessartite, Imperial topaz and Amber — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.73–1.75 and specific gravity 3.57–3.73 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What hessonite is used for
The trades that buy hessonite are jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat.
Durability and care
Hessonite is 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What hessonite costs
Expect roughly $10–100/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is hessonite treated?
None.
Where does hessonite come from?
Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Brazil and Canada. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is hessonite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does hessonite cost?
Indicatively $10–100/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is hessonite confused with?
Most often Spessartite, Imperial topaz and Amber. A refractive index of 1.73–1.75 and a specific gravity near 3.57–3.73 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for hessonite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about hessonite