Spessartine Mining In Bavaria: Active Or Extinct?

Spessartine, also known as spessartite, is a variety of garnet distinguished by its vivid orange fire. It was first discovered in the Spessart Mountains of Germany and gets its name from the Bavarian word for forest. While Spessartine was originally discovered in Germany, it is now primarily mined in Nigeria, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Smaller deposits can also be found in the United States, Brazil, Tanzania, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Japan.

Is Bavarian spessartine still being mined?

Bavarian Spessartine, also known as Spessartine Garnet, is a gemstone first discovered in the Spessart Mountains of Germany. The name "Spessartine" comes from the Bavarian word "Spessart", which means "forest", referring to the mountain range in Germany where Spessartine garnet deposits were found in the 1880s.

Spessartine is a variety of garnet distinguished by its vivid orange fire, with the most desired stones being pure vivid orange and sometimes described as "fanta" or "mandarine" garnets. Spessartine was not often seen in jewellery until deposits were mined in Namibia in the 1990s. Currently, Nigeria, Madagascar and Sri Lanka are the main suppliers, but there are other localities producing varying amounts.

Spessartine is found in metamorphic rocks and granite pegmatites, and its colour is due to the presence of manganese. While Spessartine was historically mined in Germany, it does not appear that there is any mining activity for Spessartine taking place in the country today. The most recent references to Spessartine mining are in Nigeria, where it was mined until around 2001, and Namibia, where deposits were discovered in 1991.

Spessartine is also found in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), and Sri Lanka. In addition, lesser-known localities include the USA, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Japan.

Where is spessartine mined?

Spessartine is a mineral with a hardness of 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. It is a manganese aluminium garnet species with the chemical compound Mn2+3Al2(SiO4)3. It is the manganese-aluminium variety of garnet and belongs to its subgroup of aluminium garnets.

Spessartine was first discovered in the Spessart Mountains in Germany, from which it derives its name. The name "Spessart" means "forest" in Bavarian, referring to a mountain range in Germany where Spessartine garnet deposits were found in the 1880s.

Spessartine is found almost exclusively in manganese-rich granites, pegmatites, or metamorphic rocks. It is mined in several countries, including:

• Brazil
• Central India
• Australia
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Kunene River, Namibia
• Sri Lanka
• Upper Burma
• Mexico
• Italy
• Tanzania
• Madagascar
• China
• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• Japan
• Myanmar
• Southern India
• France
• Norway
• Sweden
• Scotland
• Russia

Spessartine is also found as inclusions in topaz.

What is spessartine used for?

Spessartine, also known as spessartite, is a variety of garnet distinguished by its vivid orange fire. It is one of the rarer varieties of garnet and is sometimes referred to as the Garnet of the Sun. Spessartine is used in jewellery, particularly as a stone for rings, bracelets, and pendants. It is also used for its metaphysical and healing properties.

Spessartine is physically healing to the reproductive and digestive systems, improving food intolerances, and is used as an antidepressant and to prevent nightmares. It is also believed to benefit the kidneys and bladder, poor circulation, chilblains, and Reynaud's disease. Emotionally, spessartine is used to activate the analytical processes of the mind, to alleviate fears, and provide confidence to change one's life. It is associated with the Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras, awakening latent creative energies and lending power to one's will.

Spessartine is a durable stone, rated 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is suitable for daily wear and can be used for any type of jewellery, although it should be protected from rough treatment, such as manual labour or sports. To clean spessartine, warm soapy water and a soft brush are recommended. Ultrasonic cleaners are also considered safe, but steam cleaners should be avoided as sudden temperature changes may damage the stone.

Spessartine is named after the Spessart district of Bavaria, Germany, where it was first discovered. It is typically found in granite pegmatite rock and certain low-grade metamorphic phyllites. Notable sources of spessartine include Nigeria, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mozambique, Tanzania, Namibia, and the United States.

What are spessartine's properties?

Spessartine is a variety of garnet, a manganese aluminium garnet species, to be precise. It is distinguished by its vivid orange fire, with colours ranging from yellow through orange to red, and sometimes appearing brownish. The most prized colour is a stunning electric orange. Spessartine garnets are sometimes called Mandarin garnets, and they are also known as the Garnet of the Sun.

Spessartine was first discovered in the Spessart Mountains of Germany, specifically in the Spessart district of Bavaria. The name is derived from the Bavarian word "Spessart", meaning "forest".

Spessartine garnets are quite durable, scoring 7.25 on the Mohs scale. They are not as hard as spinels, rubies, sapphires or diamonds, but they are still suitable for daily wear, unless subjected to rough treatment.

Spessartine is associated with a range of healing properties and spiritual meanings. It is believed to be beneficial to the reproductive and digestive systems, and it is used as an antidepressant and to prevent nightmares. It is also said to enhance creativity and strengthen the heart.

Spessartine is the birthstone for those born at the end of summer, and it is the zodiac stone for Aquarius.

What is the history of spessartine mining?

Spessartine, also known as spessartite, is a variety of garnet distinguished by its vivid orange fire. It was first discovered in the Spessart Mountains of Germany, from which it derives its name. The name "Spessart" comes from the Bavarian word for "forest", referring to a mountain range in Germany.

The history of spessartine mining can be traced back to the 1880s when deposits of the gemstone were found in the Spessart Mountains. However, it was not until the 1990s that spessartine gained popularity and entered the wide retail market. Before that, it was mostly a collector's stone, mined in Virginia and California.

In 1991, large deposits of spessartine were discovered in Namibia, and this gem could finally enter the retail market. The Namibian source, however, was depleted in just a couple of years, and the availability of spessartine has been fluctuating since then. Other sources of spessartine include Nigeria, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, the USA, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Japan, and several countries in Europe.

Spessartine is often found in granite-type rocks resulting from hot magma intruding into other types of already solidified rock. It is also sometimes found in alluvial deposits of ancient rivers. The main sources of spessartine garnets are veins of pegmatites, which are a type of granite rock.

Spessartine is known for its unique and radiant colour, high brilliance, and stimulating vibration. It is believed to have metaphysical properties and is used for healing, wealth, and love. It is also known as the stone of good health and harmony.

Frequently asked questions