What is Russian demantoid? Explaining the difference from andradite, horsetail, price, and origin identification
GEMOLOGY GUIDE / Supervised by experts
Made in RussiademantoidWhat is it?
Explaining the difference from andradite, horsetail, price, and origin identification
Are “demantoid” and “andradite” different gemstones? If there is horsetail, is it from Russia? ——Under the supervision of a jewelry specialist buyer, we will clarify the relationship between the two names, which are often confused, as well as the concept of price and origin identification.
A linear structure starts from a single point and spreads out into a fan-like shape—this is why it is called the "horse's tail."
Understand in 30 secondsFirst, the conclusion
- Demantoid is a gemstone variant of andradite garnet.It is. It is not a separate mineral, but a relationship between a ``mineral type'' and ``its color variation'' (like a parent and child).
- In the jewelry market, green to yellowish green items are generally called ``demantoid'', and among them,Highly rated for bright green color with high saturationThere is a tendency to Yellow to tan colored ones are distributed as "andradite (topazolite, etc.)".
- Horsetail is a strong clue that it is from Russia (Urals)However, there have been confirmed cases in similar production areas such as Iran, Italy, and Pakistan.The country of origin cannot be determined just by the presence or absence of the product.It is said that
- The origin of the product is confirmed by a third-party identification organization.Origin identification (origin report)is valid.GIA will start demantoid origin identification service from January 2026I did. At Selby, the Russian demantoid isObtained local identification by the Japan-German Gem Research Institute.We aim to provide the following services.
01 ／ RELATION
Relationship between demantoid and andradite | Not “different stones” but “parent and child”
The first thing I want to point out isDemantoid is a gemstone variety of andradite garnet (variety)That's the point. Rather than being a separate mineral, the relationship is between a ``mineral type'' and ``its color variants'' -- a relationship similar to that of a parent and child. Both minerals are the same ``andradite'' (Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃), but their names change depending on their color.
In other words, the most accurate answer to "What is the difference between demantoid and andradite?""Demantoid is a gem name (gem variant) given to andradite that exhibits a yellowish-green to green color."That's what it means.
What is the "classification" in the market?
Mineralogically, andradite is the same, but it is treated differently in the gemstone market depending on its color. Generally,Green to yellowish greenThose exhibiting this color are called "demantoids," and their highly saturated bright green color, which is said to be derived from trace elements such as chromium, tends to be highly valued. On the other hand, yellow to yellow-brown garnets that do not have green as their main color are often sold under names such as "andradite garnet" or "topazolite."
The name is finallyConfirmation based on the description in the differentiation reportIt is certain that you will. If you would like to organize the names of each color of garnet,Garnet Type GuidePlease also take a look.
02 ／ FIRE
What is demantoid? Dispersion value higher than diamond
Demantoid is a green garnet discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the mid-19th century. The name is said to be derived from the word meaning "diamond-like", and as the name suggests,Dispersion value higher than diamond(an indicator of the strength of fire).
However, a high dispersion value is not the same as always being able to see more fire than a diamond with the naked eye.Dispersed light is less noticeable in stones with a dark ground color, and fire is more perceptible in stones with a pale yellow-green color.There may be cases.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Mineral name | Andradite (Garnet Group) |
| chemical composition | Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃ |
| mohs hardness | Approximately 6.5 to 7 (slightly softer among garnets) |
| refractive index | Approximately 1.88 to 1.89 (highest among gemstones) |
| variance value | 0.057 (better than 0.044 for diamond) |
| color factor | Considered to be trace elements such as chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe) |
| Main production areas | Russia (Urals, etc.), Namibia, Madagascar, Iran, etc. |
03 ／ HISTORY
Why Russian products are highly valued | From discovery to the present
The reason why ``Made in Russia'' is synonymous with demantoids lies not only in the quality of the gemstone itself, but also in its approximately 150-year history. Demantoids are said to have been discovered in the Ural Mountains in the mid-19th century, and were given the name "diamond-like" because of their intense brilliance.
From the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, jewelry workshops in Imperial RussiaFabergéIn addition to being famous for being used in the works of Tiffany & Co.,George KuntzIt is also widely reported that it was highly rated. It also appeared in European and American antique jewelry from the Art Nouveau to Edwardian period, and established itself as a special stone among green gemstones.
1850s
First half
First half
Found in the Ural Mountains of Russia(e.g. gravel deposits on the Bobrovka River).
1860s
Academically introduced as green andradite,Name of "Demantoid"came to be used.
19th century
second half
second half
green variety of andraditeThe recognition as such is established.
End of 19c~
20c first
20c first
golden age.Used in Faberge's works. Popular in jewelry during the Art Nouveau period.
20th century
output decreasesThis strengthens the image of scarcity.
1990s~
Mining restarted/new production area(Namibia, etc.), the re-evaluation is progressing.
2026
GIA launches demantoid origin identification service(From January 1st). The objectivity of the region of origin description will increase.
After that, in the 20th century Russia experienced a period of decreased production, and the difficulty of obtaining a large supply strengthened the image of scarcity. Since the 1990s, the market has been revived with the resumption of mining in the Urals and the emergence of new production areas such as Namibia and Madagascar.Stones from Russia, a classic production area, and especially stones blessed with color and transparency, still have a special presence.It is said to have. In recent years, the stable supply of high-quality Russian products has been limited, and the amount on the market is not large.
Three reasons why Russian products are valued (organized)
In summary,①Quality of color——It is known that it is a high-quality stone that exhibits a bright green color with high saturation.②History and story——Having a context connected to Fabergé and antique jewelry,③Rarity——The production of high-quality stones, especially those larger than 1 carat, has been limited. It is said that these three factors combine to lead to high ratings. HoweverThe place of origin does not guarantee quality., beautiful stones also exist in other production areas. In the end, the essence is to choose based on the qualities of each stone.
04 ／ HORSETAIL
What is horsetail inclusion? structure and origin
horsetailis the common name for inclusions that appear as thin linear or fibrous structures that spread fan-like or radially from around a single point inside the demantoid.
The identity and origin of fibers
Traditionally, horsetail from Russia etc.Fibers of serpentine minerals, mainly chrysotileIt has been explained. On the other hand, recent research shows thathollow growth channelIt has also been reported that it may have a structure that partially contains serpentinite group minerals. There are also known examples where the mineral composition of inclusions differs depending on the region of origin (for example, calcite was reported in Iran), and research into the exact structure and formation process is still ongoing.
For many gemstones, less is more inclusions, but demantoid horsetails are an exception.Rather, it is talked about favorably as a "characteristic" that tells the story of its origin and origins.It is characterized by a lot of things.
Tips for viewing
If you observe the horsetail with a magnifying glass (10x magnification) or microscope, you can clearly see its three-dimensional spread. Stones with horsetails that are so large and beautiful that they can be seen with the naked eye are especially popular among collectors as ``stones that tell the story of their place of origin.''
05 ／ LOCALITY
Characteristics of Russian (Ural) products and differences from other production areas
The history of demantoid began in Russia's Ural Mountains.Mineral deposits related to serpentiniteUrals produced in the Urals are known for their bright green color and high frequency of horsetail appearance, and are still highly valued in the market. New production areas have appeared, such as Namibia since the 1990s and Madagascar since the 2000s, and each production area has its own unique characteristics.
06 ／ MISCONCEPTION
Reasons why you can't say "Horsetail = Russian"
This is the most important point in this article. Horsetail is a strong clue that it is from Russia (Urals), but as mentioned above,Confirmed in stones from other regions with similar origins, such as those from Iran, Italy, and Pakistan.It has been. In addition, there have been reports of horsetails being observed in brown andradite, which does not have green as its main color. Therefore, gemmologically, they are classified as follows.
Please note
Expressions such as ``Horstail = guaranteed to be from Russia'' and ``Russian = guaranteed to be of high quality'' are overstatements from a gemological perspective. The production area does not guarantee quality; the final beauty depends on color, clarity, cut, size, etc.Qualities of the stone itselfIt is determined by This article is based on this premise.SELBY COLLECTION
See the demantoid that houses the horsetail in real life
At Selby, we carry loose garnet jewelry, including demantoids from Russia, which have been certified by the Japan-German Gem Research Institute. You can check the expression of the inclusions in the photos and videos.
07 ／ REPORT
How to see and mean origin identification (GIA/Japan-German Gem Research Institute)
Origin identification (origin report)is a document issued by an identification organization that provides an expert opinion regarding the place of origin. Typically, multiple pieces of information are weighed as needed, including observations of inclusions and growth structures, spectroscopic features, and chemical composition. The actual testing method varies depending on the identification organization, gem type, and condition of the individual.
The situation surrounding origin identification has changed in recent years.From January 1, 2026, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will officially launch a service for identifying the origin of colored stones, including demantoids.I did. As a result, the institution has accumulatedOrigin determination based on samples with known origin, inclusions, spectroscopic characteristics, chemical composition, etc.can now be used as a report. GIA says this locality identification is supported by extensive research and approximately 32,000 specimens collected by field gemologists. In Japan,Japanese-German Gem Research Instituteis one of the institutions known for identifying and identifying the origin of colored stones such as demantoids.
At Selby,A demantoid that has been certified by the Japan-German Gem Research Institute and is said to be from Russia.We are operating to provide the following. Rather than relying on a single feature, such as the presence or absence of horsetail, we have a system in place that allows us to support comprehensive inspections by third-party organizations.
Check points when purchasing
When considering a demantoid that has a place of origin written on it, it is safe to check the following three points: 1) What identification organization has the document? 2) Has the ``locality identification'' been performed (regular identification documents may only include the mineral name and variety name)? 3) Does the document link to the stone? The basics of the identification bookWhat is gemstone origin identification?It is explained in.
08 ／ PRICE
How to think about prices | 5 factors that influence market prices
It is difficult to answer the question ``How much is the market price of a demantoid?'' Even for the same 1 carat, the price can vary greatly depending on the combination of factors. If you first understand the five factors that affect prices, it will be easier to compare individual products.
Relationship between size and price
The demantoid isEven if the weight is the same, there is a large price difference depending on color, transparency, place of origin, horsetail, and whether or not there is a certificate of identification, making it difficult to provide a uniform market price.It's a gem. In particular, stones of 1 carat or more that are produced in Russia and have excellent color and transparency are subject to individual evaluation. The general trend is that the larger the quality, the more rare it becomes.If the weight exceeds 1 carat, the price per weight tends to increase.It is a good idea to note the points. Specific prices vary depending on quality, supply and demand, exchange rates, etc., so please check the individual product pages.
Notes on asset value
Demantoid is considered a rare gemstone,does not guarantee future price increases. The price of jewelry fluctuates depending on supply and demand, the economy, exchange rates, etc. We recommend that you first select stones based on the beauty of the stone itself and reliable evidence (certificate of authenticity), rather than for investment purposes.
09 ／ COMPARE
Comparison chart｜Demantoid vs Andradite
| Item | demantoid | Andradite (topazolite etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| mineral species | The same andradite (ashite) - demantoid is its variant name | |
| color | Highly saturated green to yellow-green | Yellow, tan, brown, pale yellow-green, etc. |
| Main factors of color | Considered to be chromium (Cr), etc. | Mainly iron (Fe) |
| Dispersion (Fire) | 0.057 (Common/Exceeds Diamond's 0.044) | |
| horsetail | Representative from Russia (not found in all stones) | It may be found in stones from mineral deposits of the same origin. |
| Representative production area | Russia, Namibia, Madagascar, Iran, etc. | Mali, Mexico, Japan (Rainbow) and other places |
| Examples of identification documents | "Andradite Garnet (Demantoid)" etc. | "Andradite Garnet" etc. |
Points to consider when choosing (summary)
When choosing a demantoid,① Color (highly saturated green) ② Visibility of fire ③ Balance of transparency and horsetail ④ Whether or not the country of origin is identifiedIt will be easier to make comparisons based on these four points. It's up to you whether you want to enjoy the horsetail's individuality or give priority to its transparency - there is a correct answer to either choice.
In addition, the Mohs hardness is around 6.5 to 7, which is a little softer among garnets, so if you use it as a ring on a daily basis,Choose bump-resistant designs and avoid ultrasonic cleaningIt will be safer if you take such considerations into account.
10 ／ LOOK-ALIKE
How to distinguish between similar gemstones and imitation stones
The reason people search for "demantoid fake" and "how to tell" is because of confusion with similar-looking green gemstones and imitation stones. I will summarize the differences between the three representative ones. In addition,There are limits to identification based on appearance alone, and the final judgment is left to the inspection of an identification organization.is the principle.
| Item | demantoid | tsavorite | emerald | Green CZ (imitation) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| true identity | andradite Garnet (natural) |
grossular Garnet (natural) |
Beryl (natural) | artificial cubic zirconia |
| mohs hardness | About 6.5-7 | About 7-7.5 | About 7.5-8 | About 8-8.5 |
| Dispersion (Fire) | 0.057 (very strong) | Approximately 0.028 | Approximately 0.014 | Approximately 0.058~0.066 |
| Inclusion trends | horsetail may have |
Horsetail is unknown |
"Jardin" There are many inclusions called |
Few inclusions Easy to look homogeneous |
| Points of focus (approximate) | Green + strong fire + Characteristics of inclusions |
Fire weakness/ difference in color tone |
Quality of brilliance/ Condition of inclusions |
Homogeneity/same size Higher specific gravity than natural stone |
*The numerical values are representative values commonly shown in literature. Although CZ often appears homogeneous with few inclusions,Cannot be judged by appearance alone. Actual identification is based on tests such as refractive index, specific gravity, and spectroscopy.
Basic knowledge about processing and synthetic stones
Russian demantoidNow, for the purpose of weakening the brown color.Relatively low temperature heat treatment(Many untreated stones are also in circulation). Except for some individuals whose inclusions have changed due to processing,It is difficult to determine the presence or absence of treatment through regular gemological testing.It is said that Disclosure practices differ depending on the business/identification organization, so if you have any concerns, please check before purchasing.
Also,Synthetic demantoid is not commonly distributed in the jewelry market.. The main things to watch out for in the market are imitation stones such as CZ and glass, and confusion with other types of green gemstones such as tsavorite.Choose products with reliable certificates of authenticityis the most reliable self-defense measure. Comparison of green gemstones in generalGreen Garnet Comparison GuideIt is also helpful.
FAQ ／ Q&A
Frequently asked questions
Are demantoid and andradite different gemstones?
No, the mineral is the same "andradite garnet". Demantoid is a variant name (gemstone name) given to those that exhibit a bright green color that is said to be derived from chromium. In identification books, it is commonly listed as "andradite garnet (variety name: demantoid)".
If there is a horsetail, does it necessarily come from Russia?
We cannot be certain. Horsetail is a strong clue that it is from Russia (Urals), but it has also been confirmed in stones from deposits with similar origins, such as those from Iran, Italy, and Pakistan. If you need confirmation of the place of origin, it is best to check the origin report provided by an identification organization.
Is the horsetail an inclusion that reduces the value of the gemstone?
It is said that demantoid horsetails are treated differently from general inclusions, and are often positively evaluated as unique characteristics that tell the story of the place of origin and origin. However, inclusions that significantly impair transparency or shine may affect the evaluation, and the final judgment is based on the balance of each stone.
Is Demantoid's fire (iridescent glow) stronger than Diamond?
In terms of variance, Demantoid (0.057) outperforms Diamond (0.044). However, the actual appearance depends on the depth of the body color, cut, and lighting environment, so a high number does not necessarily mean that any stone will always look strong. Stones that are not too dark in color tend to be more sensitive to fire.
What kind of document is an origin report?
This is a document that shows an expert opinion on the origin of a product by an identification organization using a combination of magnified inspection, spectroscopic inspection, trace element analysis, etc. GIA will begin demantoid origin identification services in January 2026. At Selby, we offer Russian demantoids that have been certified by the Japan-German Gem Research Institute. Please note that the origin identification is issued as an institution's opinion and is not a document that guarantees quality or future value.
Can Demantoid be used regularly?
Its Mohs hardness is around 6.5 to 7, making it suitable for use in jewelry, but it is a slightly softer stone compared to diamonds and sapphires. Please be careful not to get scratched due to strong impact or contact with other jewelry. The basic cleaning method is wiping with a soft, dry cloth, and it is best to avoid ultrasonic cleaning for stones with inclusions.
Is demantoid a rare gem?
It is a gemstone that is said to be particularly rare among garnets. In particular, the production of stones with a highly saturated green color and excellent transparency, as well as stones larger than 1 carat, has been limited. Even now, with the emergence of producing regions such as Namibia and Madagascar, the supply of high-quality stone remains unstable.
Will the value of Demantoid increase in the future?
We cannot guarantee future prices. Jewelry prices fluctuate not only due to quality, but also to factors such as supply and demand, the economy, and exchange rates. Although it is a highly rare gemstone, we do not recommend purchasing it based on the assumption that the price will increase, but instead choose based on the beauty of the stone itself and reliable evidence (certificate of authenticity).
Is there any heat treatment for demantoid?
It is known that demantoid, mainly produced in Russia, is sometimes subjected to relatively low-temperature heat treatment to reduce its brown color. On the other hand, there are many untreated stones in circulation. With the exception of some individuals whose inclusions have changed, it is said to be difficult to determine the presence or absence of treatment through regular gemological testing, and disclosure practices vary by institution, so if you are concerned, it is best to check with the retailer before purchasing.
Is there an artificial (synthetic) demantoid?
Synthetic demantoids are not commonly distributed in the jewelry market. What you need to be careful about is confusion with imitation stones such as green CZ and glass, or with other types of green gemstones such as tsavorite. A reliable measure is to choose a product that comes with a reliable certificate of authenticity.
What is the difference between demantoid and tsavorite?
Although both are green garnets, they are different mineral species. Demantoid is a variant of andradite, and tsavorite is a variant of grossular.The biggest difference is the strength of dispersion (fire) (demantoid is 0.057, while tsavorite is about 0.028). Also, horsetails are not known in tsavorites.
Is there a Russian demantoid without a horsetail?
there is. Horsetails are not found on all stones from Russia. That is why it is important to confirm the origin of the product by an identification organization, rather than relying solely on the presence or absence of horsetail.
Which is better for origin identification, GIA or a domestic identification organization?
I can't say which one is definitely better. GIA has worldwide recognition and an extensive database of samples from known origins, and is highly recognized in international distribution. On the other hand, reliable identification institutions in Japan have the advantage of being easy to consult and request in Japanese, making them easy to handle in the domestic market. What is important is not only the name of the institution, but also that the report contains an "opinion on the place of origin" rather than a regular identification report, and that the photo, weight, and dimensions of the stone match the actual stone. At Selby, we offer demantoids that have been identified as Russian by the Japan-German Gem Research Institute.
Supervised | SUPERVISED BY
Takazo Saito
Selby Co., Ltd.
Buyer for the Komehei Group's only company specializing in jewelry. In addition to supervising the EC/SNS/Ruth/product production department, he is also in charge of purchasing rare stones. He specializes in determining authenticity and evaluating value, and works to protect consumers and improve market transparency by disseminating gemological information.
References/sources
This article was created with reference to primary and secondary gemological materials, including the following, and with the approval of the supervisor.
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America) “GIA to Update Gemological Reports for Colored Stones” (December 2025) — Regarding the expansion of origin identification services for demantoids and other minerals from January 2026.
- GIA, Gems & Gemology "Cat's-Eye Demantoid and Brown Andradite with Horsetail Inclusions" (Spring 2018) — Horsetail case of brown andradite that is not green.
- GIA, Gems & Gemology, Micro-World "Unusual "Horsetail" and Columnar Inclusions in Demantoid" (Winter 2022) — Observation of serpentine fibers.
- Phillips & Talantsev “Russian demantoid, czar of the garnet family” Gems & Gemology (Summer 1996) — Ural demantoid and horsetail.
- Minerals (MDPI) “Horsetail” Inclusions in the Ural Demantoids: Growth Formations” (2021) — Analysis of the composition and origin of fibers.
- Monatshefte für Chemie (Springer) “Determination of demantoid garnet origin by chemical fingerprinting” (2019) — Identification of origin using trace elements.
- Pala International “Demantoid Disclosure” and others — Commentary on low-temperature heat treatment and disclosure of Russian demantoid.
- For other information, please refer to official documents regarding gem characteristics and origin identification published by GIA.
SELBY COLLECTION
Demantoids with locality identification and rare stones from around the world
“Fire running through the greenery” and “horse’s tail”—the features explained in the article make even more sense when you see the real thing. Please take a look at Selby's collection, which includes a demantoid from Russia that has been certified by the Japan-German Gem Research Institute. If you have any questions, our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.
[About this article] This article is intended to provide general information about jewelry, and does not guarantee the quality, value, or future price of a specific product. Numerical values such as dispersion value and hardness are representative values commonly shown in literature. Origin identification is issued as an expert opinion by an identification organization, and the contents and inspection methods may differ depending on the organization and time. Differences may occur in the use of names (e.g., demantoid/andradite) depending on the business operator/identification organization. Research is still ongoing into the structure and causes of horsetail inclusions, and the explanations in this article are based on general knowledge at the time of writing. © SELBY Co., Ltd.