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.