Image credit: Gemselect
The search was meant for rhodolite at Tanzania’s Umba River Valley in the 1960s … but the pinkish to reddish orange Malaya was uncovered as well.
To date, this region between Kenya and Tanzania remains the primary source for malaya. Production and mining has been irregular since its first discovery. Because of its rarity, Malaya is highly prized by gem collectors. Larger specimens, especially over 3 – 5 carats command quite a premium price.
Malaya in Swahili words mean “out of the family” or “outcast.” When it was first found, local dealers rejected it. Thanks to a few knowledgeable American and German dealers who bought and marketed it. By 1980s, malaya found its small but strong followers in the gem market.
Malaya is a mixture of 2 common species: pyrope and spessartite. Not easy to find are beautiful honey-peach, cinnamon, and pinkish orange. A well-balanced bright and peachy color, known as Imperial Garnet, and pinkish-orange specimens are more valuable and well sought-after than the sun-kissed orange to reddish specimens. The rosy shades are very popular, especially in round facet cuts.
Malaya is known to exhibit scintillating brilliant flashes of red, which no other variety of garnets could compare. Like all other garnets, it is naturally included, never treated or enhanced in any way. The needle-like inclusions typically do not affect the value or beauty.
Jem Boxx 