1.24 ct. Japanese Iridescent Garnet
- Color: Dark Brown / Iridescence
- Clarity: Semi-Translucent
- Origin: Kose Mine, Tenkawa, Nara Prefecture, Japan
- Cut: Oval - Checkerboard Top
- Treatments: None
- Measurements: 6.3 x 5.6 mm
These are one of the most distinctive of all Garnets. From a well known (and now completely off-limits) Japanese locality, the iridescence is caused by the twinning of the garnet crystal and is close to the surface only - too deep a polish will remove it entirely. Anything symmetrical from this locale is scarce - these are often left as freeforms to lessen the likelihood of polishing away the iridescence. A beautiful example with a fine degree of color and superior luster; remarkably, there is even some translucency to the garnet's bodycolor. One of the few examples of stones from this find that could easily be incorporated into jewelry.