Spessartite stones are named for the Spessart region of Bavaria, their place of origin. Bavaria is a place in Germany, and a Sperssart is a German name for a forest. Spessartites exist in garnets. Garnets are a group of interrelated mineral species. Mixed garnets like malaia and grandite exist in pure forms. Rhodolite garnet is purplish in color.

The Spessartite stones are colored by a fundamental element in their composition which makes them idiochromatic. Spessartites occur primarily in light, reddish-orange and tangerine orange colors, because of the manganese content in the stone. These stones may be also be found in reddish tones which usually means that they were mixed with iron to form almandine. 

Before you buy these stones, make sure that an expert gemologist has examined them extensively. Spessartite stones should be well inspected under incandescent light. It is also advisable to expose them to different sources of light to determine their appearance in all types of light. This exposure can also help you differentiate the pure spessartite stones from the hybrids.

Many of these stones are clear. Their clarity makes them both desirable and elegant. Orange spessartites often contain colorless tirodite fibers. These fibers allow the tangerine/orange color to shine exquisitely. These stones are cut in similar ways to other colored gems and the major cuts include cushions, ovals, emeralds and trillions.

The orientation of these stones does not pose any problems because they lack pleochroism. The stones also have equal dimensional shapes of the rough species. The corresponding dimensions increase the ability to produce excellent results when transformed from rough to cut. Cabochon-cut spessartites are very rare.

The quality of the spessartite stones determines their price. Depending on the stone, the cost may range between $900 and $2400 per carat. The difference in price is also dependent on the origin and color of the stones.

These stones are used in the making of magnificent jewelry. Before you buy or sell the spessartite stones, you should compare prices offered by various dealers. Through the comparison from the traders, you will be able to determine the correct price for the stone you wish to buy or sell. As with any other precious stone or piece of jewelry, you should always be sure that you are buying, selling and trading your stones with a reputable dealer to avoid theft and deceptive pricing schemes.