Hi,
This month's "Gem of the Month" is ....
Garnet.
Feel free to add more info & pics. If anyone has any questions specifically about Garnet then this is a good place to post them.
People with facetting designs or hints etc may also like to add that info here?
You might like to change your "Gem of the Month" votes now that this one has been covered.
General Information:Here are a few useful links that should cover all of the main information.
Wikipedia -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GarnetMindat -
http://www.mindat.org/min-10272.htmlMinerals.Net -
http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/garnet.aspxFossicking Locations:Garnet can be found in many locations around Australia. Here are a few of the main locations where you can find gem quality Garnet.
QLD - Fullarton RiverExcellent (Rhodolite?) Garnets can be found in the Cloncurry area on the Maronan Station near the Fullarton River.
They are generally a "purplish-red" colour.
Here's some info & a map etc ...http://gemfossicking.com.au/fullarton_river.html#Here's a video ...Digging for Fullarton River GarnetsNT - Hart's RangeExcellent dark reddish-brown Almandine Garnets can be found at Hart's Range.
Here's some good info & maps etc ...http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Minerals_Energy/index.cfm?header=Harts%20Range%20WestNSW - Yarrow CreekAt many locations along Yarrow Creek (east of Glen Innes) you can find dark red (Pyrope?) Garnets.
Here's some previously posted pics ...Rough Garnet from Fullarton River
Cut Garnet from Fullarton River
Rough Garnet from Hart's Range
Cut Garnet from Hart's Range
Cut Garnet from Hart's Range
15ct Garnet from Yarrow Creek
Cut Garnet from Yarrow Creek
Cut Garnet from Yarrow Creek