Group: Garnet Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5 out of 10 Color: Nearly all colors RI: 1.714 to 1.888 Birefringence: None SR/DR/AGG: SR, often with ADR Pleochroism: None SG: 2.72 (+0.18 / -0.05) Routine Treatments: None
garnet facts
Matched bee brooches set with a cluster of pyrope garnets
Garnets occur in various colors including red, orange and green. A garnet bead necklace, that was found in an Egyptian grave, is dated to 3800 B.C.
Most red garnets, while beautiful, are not terribly valuable due to their relative abundance. Green tsavorite garnets, however, can be much more expensive, especially in larger sizes. Garnet is a January birthstone and is the 2nd wedding anniversary gemstone.
Color Generally dark toned brownish orange to brownish red to purplish red, with low saturation.
Magnification Needle-like inclusions that intersect at 70° and 110° in the same plane. High- and low-relief crystals. Zircon crystals with strain halos.
Spectrum 3 strong bands in the green and yellow at 505, 527 & 575nm
Matched bee brooches set with a cluster of pyrope garnets
Color Medium to dark reddish orange, red through slightly purplish red to pale pink
Magnification Needle-like inclusions and irregular rounded crystals.
Spectrum Chrome Pyrope: Band at 505nm plus broad absorption at 520 through 620nm. Possibly fine lines in the red at 685 & 687nm. Cutoff around 490nm. None Chrome Pyrope: Only the 505nm band and a cutoff at 490nm.
Magnification Needle-like inclusions that intersect at 70° and 110° in the same plane. High- and low-relief crystals. Zircon crystals with strain halos.
Spectrum 3 strong bands in the green and yellow at 505, 527 & 575nm