Some gemstones derive a large portion of their appeal because they are found in an unexpected locality or have an unusual origin. “Ant hill garnets” are one of the more interesting of these “novelty gems.”

They are called “ant hill garnets” because they are found on and around the margins of ant hills. The ants encounter the garnets while excavating their underground passages. The ants haul the stones to the surface and discard them. The rain washes the garnets clean and moves them down the flank of the ant hill, where they can accumulate in large numbers. This concentrates the little gems and makes them easy for people to collect. Their brilliant luster and red color contrasts strongly with the surrounding soil.