The Cinnamon Stone Hessonite |
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Hessonite or Cinnamon Stone belongs to the garnet group of
stones which is chemically, calcium aluminium mineral. It is much
lower in density and hardness compared to other stones in the garnet
group, hence it is considered inferior. This gem has been named
Hessonite, which comes from the Greek word, 'hesson' or inferior.
Hessonite is a variety of grossularite garnet which is a mineral
group consisting of three main garnets - Massive Hydro grossularite,
Hessonite garnet and Tsavorite garnet.
Hessonite garnet has a characteristic color of honey. The gem is
translucent and smooth to touch. It is identified by the inclusions
in the stone which appear like scattered bubbles, when viewed under
the microscope.
It is used extensively in jewelry and decorative articles and in
carvings.
Hessonite comes chiefly from Sri Lanka, the largest producer of this
gemstone. Besides Sri Lanka, Hessonite gem deposits have also been
found in parts of India, parts of Mexico, Brazil, Thailand,
Malaysia, Canada and Tanzania.
In India it is considered precious in terms of its ability to cure
afflictions, caused by certain planetary positions.
Interesting Trivia
- Sri Lanka is the largest
producer of Hessonite
- Garnet is the official state gem
of New York, USA.
- The rarest of the garnets is the
color changing deep blue garnet, which was discovered in the
1990s in Madagascar.
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