Natural Hessonites Overview
 The yellow-brown variety of grossular is called hessonite (or essonite).
Its name comes from the Greek esson, meaning "inferior" gems of this color being regarded as the least valuable. Also call cinnamon stone and Kaneel Stone.
It is common in the gem gravels of Sri Lanka and, practically all the gem material is obtained from this locality.
Physical Properties
| Color |
Brown-red variety |
| Refractive Index |
1.73-1.757 |
| Pleochroism |
Weak |
| Chemistry |
Calcium, Aluminium silicate |
| Hardness |
6.5-7.5 |
| Density |
3.57-3.73 |
| Crystal Group |
Cubic |
| Ocurrence |
Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, Canada, Madagascar, Tanzania, USA |
Legend and Lore
Believed in India mythology to be the fingernails of the God, Vala, Hessonite gems are considered the rarest of the planetary stones.
The garnet family was used in ancient times by the Greeks and Romans. In India the garnet was felt to be a guard against poison and disease, and was worn to promote health and cheerfulness.
Like the yellow sapphire, golden hessonite is a good balancing stone. It calms the nerves, quiets the mind, relieves depression. This stone is recommended for almost everyone, as it counters the negative influences of Maya (illusion).
Browse Hessonites
The pictures above only represents the general appearance of the Hessonite. Please note that the real Hessonites in our stock will be of varied shapes, color and sizes.
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