Proteus Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
A few almandine/pyrope garnets from the US will change with treatment into proteus garnets. In reflected light, they have a dark gray, metallic luster. In transmitted light, the dark red of the garnet shows through.
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In Greek mythology, Proteus was a sea god, capable of changing his shape. It has become a noun for one who easily changes their appearance or principles.
Proteus are the only treated garnets. All the others resist change, but a few almandine/pyropes from the US will change into Proteus. The treatment brings a thin layer of metals to the surface.
This causes it to have a dual appearance. In reflected light, they have a dark gray, metallic luster, much like hematite. In transmitted light, the dark red of the garnet shows through.
International Gem Society
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