Hessonite Garnet on Smoky Quartz

Hessonite Garnet is a popular yellow-orange gem that’s earned the nickname “cinnamon stone” for its warm hues. Throughout history, these amber-toned gems were believed to have healing and protective properties, from alleviating liver diseases in ancient Rome to warding off evil spirits in Hindu scriptures. Even medieval European royalty couldn’t resist the allure of the cinnamon stone and included it in their royal regalia to protect them in battle and ensure loyalty amongst their vassals. Here, we see delicate Hessonite Garnet jewels in clusters, climbing the smoky black Quartz crystals from where it emerges from the stone matrix. The brilliant contrast of the bright orange Garnets against the inky black of the Quartz crystals highlights the dynamic nature of this specimen.