gem • Garnet (Grossular)
Hessonite
Hessonite is the honey-to-cinnamon orange variety of grossular garnet. In Vedic tradition it is Gomed, the Navratna gem of Rahu. A swirly, syrup-like 'treacle' look inside the stone is its signature and helps tell it apart from look-alikes such as citrine and orange glass.
Quick Facts
Key properties and characteristics
Category
gem
Family
Garnet (Grossular)
Colors
Hardness
6.5–7.5 Mohs
Luster
Vitreous to resinous
Transparency
Transparent to translucent
Found In
Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania
Ruling Planet
Rahu
Stone DNA
Property breakdown
Scores normalized to 10-point scale for comparison
Color Spectrum
Natural color variations
Origin Highlights
Where this stone is found
+2 more locations
Crystal Structure
Molecular arrangement
Interlocking Crystalline
Multiple crystals fused together in matrix
Geology Deep Dive
Formation & composition
Formation
Forms where heat and fluids alter impure limestones (skarns) and in some metamorphic rocks; much gem hessonite is mined from alluvial gem gravels in Sri Lanka and India.
Volcanic / Plutonic
5-30 km below surface
Mineral Composition
Rashi & Planetary Match
Vedic astrology compatibility
Planetary Alignment
Uses by Industry
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Commonly Confused With
How to tell them apart
Similar appearance
Similar appearance
Similar appearance
Similar appearance
Always verify with hardness test or expert examination
Formation & Geology
Hessonite forms through geological processes over millions of years. The unique conditions of temperature and pressure create its distinctive characteristics and crystal structure.
Understanding the geological origins helps appreciate the rarity and natural beauty of this stone.
Uses & Applications
Spiritual & Healing
The information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for health-related questions.
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Stone data enriched using AI with gemology and Vedic astrology sources. Always verify with certified experts for important decisions.