Malaia (or Malaya) Garnet is a rare hybrid of pyrope and spessartite garnets. It is typically found in a cinnamon color. Pink Malaia garnets with a pink-red color shift are very rare, and have mainly been found in Bekily in Madagascar.
The rare pink Malaia garnets usually occur only in small sizes (1 to 2 cts), so this exceptional 16.55 ct specimen is particularly rare. It has been certified by Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with a special Notable Letter documenting its extreme rarity.