In early 2009 a new deposit of Colour Change Garnet was discovered in the Taita district of Kenya with a fine teal blue colour.
Initially thought to be Alexandrite it was later confirmed to be Color-Change Garnet. For gemologists it was very exciting. Here was a garnet with a solid, strong color change – a true Alexandrite mimic.
This new deposit was virtually mined out a year later. Early to mid 2010 saw virtually no production of fine pieces. This is not unusual for an alluvial deposit. Even 1 carat pieces of this garnet are extremely rare
The colour changes are very distinct from natural daylight, fluorescent or LED torch light to incandescent light. This piece is lightly included with some very minor chips on the table, not visible to the eye. A very rare material not mined any longer.
