Demantoid garnets boast extraordinary fire that exceeds even diamonds, with a dispersion of 0.057 compared to diamond’s 0.044. Their vivid green coloration, exceptional brilliance, and extreme rarity in nature make them the most valuable garnet variety, with aesthetic appeal that commands high prices from serious collectors seeking these precious stones.
Authentic demantoids are identified by their distinctive “horsetail” inclusions—golden bissolite needles radiating from chromite crystals. These natural features serve as proof of genuine origin, particularly in Russian specimens, and GIA certified stones document these characteristics which actually enhance value rather than diminish it as in most other gemstones.
Collectors prize horsetail inclusions because they serve as nature’s certificate of authenticity for real demantoid garnets. These features are mainly found in original Russian material, connecting modern specimens to prestigious historical deposits. Unlike most gemstone inclusions that reduce worth, horsetails increase a demantoid’s value as they cannot be replicated in synthetic stones.
A premium demantoid’s price is primarily determined by color intensity, with vivid, pure green commanding the highest value. Size dramatically impacts cost, with specimens over 1 carat being extremely rare. Origin (particularly Russian), presence of desirable “horsetail” inclusions, and cut quality collectively determine prices that can reach thousands per carat for high-quality specimens.
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