almandine

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Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, Global Gemology & Appraisals

Species:  Almandine
Group:  Garnet
Mohs Hardness:  6.5 to 7.5 out of 10
Color:  Generally dark toned brownish orange to brownish red to purplish red, with low saturation.
RI:  1.714 to 1.888
Birefringence:  None
SR/DR/AGG:  SR, often with ADR
Clarity Type:  Type II
Pleochroism:  None
Spectrum:  3 strong bands in the green and yellow at 505, 527 & 575nm
Fluorescence:  Inert
SG:  2.72 (+0.18 / -0.05)

almandine facts

Almandine is the most common variety of garnet and is generally dark red, or dark reddish brown in color.

Pure red is the most valuable color in almandine garnet.

Almandine is the hardest of all garnet types.

Almandine garnet may contain needle-like inclusions that intersect at 70º and 110º in the same plane.  It may also contain high and low-relief crystals, as well as included zircon crystals.
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​Garnet is a January birthstone and is the 2nd wedding anniversary gemstone.
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