Hessonite Guide
Gemstone Vault · Education Series
Hessonite
Gomedh, the Gem of Rahu. A guide to its geology, origins, character, and how to choose one for your collection.
Gomedh, the Gem of Rahu
Hessonite is the warm cinnamon-to-honey-brown variety of grossular garnet, often showing a distinctive treacly or "oily" internal appearance. In Vedic tradition it is known as Gomedh, one of the nine Navratna gemstones.
Gemologically, hessonite is described as transparent to translucent, with a vitreous to resinous luster — qualities that shape how it catches and carries light once cut. Its colour comes from iron and manganese, and a Mohs hardness in this range is durable enough for regular wear, though it benefits from being set thoughtfully and kept away from harder gems in storage.
The Cinnamon Stone of Ceylon
Long before "hessonite" became the standard gemological name, this stone was widely known in the European gem trade as the "cinnamon stone," a direct reference to its warm brown-orange colour. Sri Lanka (historically Ceylon) has been its best-known traditional source for centuries, and hessonite travelled along the same historic gem-trading routes that brought Ceylon's sapphires and other coloured stones to markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Its role as Gomedh — one of the nine Navratna gems of Vedic astrology — has long given it particular importance within the Indian gem trade specifically.
Where Hessonite Comes From
Gomedh — Lunar North Node's Stone
In Indian Vedic astrology (Jyotish Shastra), hessonite is known as Gomedh and is associated with Rahu (Lunar North Node).
Gomedh
In Vedic astrology, hessonite (Gomedh) is associated with Rahu, the lunar north node — traditionally worn to help manage Rahu's effects in a person's chart, often under the guidance of an astrologer.
How Hessonite Is Graded
Quality in hessonite is generally assessed across colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight — with colour and overall character typically the dominant factors in value.
What a Lab Report Confirms
A lab report identifies the species, describes colour, and discloses any treatment. Hessonite is typically untreated.
Natural, Ethical, Jaipur-Sourced
Every hessonite in the Paraiso Jewels vault is described accurately as to its natural or treated status on its label. We source through Jaipur's gem market — one of the world's oldest and most concentrated coloured-stone trading centres — and our stones can be verified at GTL Jaipur, the region's principal gem testing authority.
On request, each piece can be accompanied by documentation covering weight, dimensions, and treatment status. If you have questions about the origin or treatment of a specific stone, contact us via WhatsApp or email and we'll provide full details.
Considering Hessonite?
We're happy to talk through grading, origin, or certification for a specific stone before you buy.
Loose Hessonite & Ready-to-Wear Pieces
A selection of loose hessonite stones and finished jewellery currently available from the Paraiso Jewels vault.
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Hessonite Jewellery
Explore Our Hessonite Collection
Browse loose stones, set jewellery, or speak to us about a bespoke commission featuring hessonite.