In the past, melanite bore a certain importance in jewelry as the "mourning gem", successfully competing with jet, both in hardness - much harder than jet - and for its luster. But even so, its colour and opacity keep it from competing with other garnets. Nevertheless, it is a rare variety and thus very much sought after by collectors. The specimens form this site, famous both for the size and luster of many of its specimens, come to light every time an almond field is farmed. (See also GRN023 and GRN024).