Pyrope garnet
Pyrope red garnet is the birthstone for January.
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The mineral pyrope is part of the garnet group, and it is the only garnet that consistently exhibits a natural red hue, giving it its name derived from the Greek words for “fire” and “eye.” While it may be less common compared to other garnet colors, pyrope garnet is a popular gemstone and has several alternative names, some of which are actually misnomers.
General Information
Category: Nesosilicate
Formula (repeating unit): Mg3Al2(SiO4)3
IMA symbol: Prp
Strunz classification: 9.AD.25
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal class: Hexoctahedral (m3m)
H–M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space group: Ia3d
Composition
Pure pyrope has the chemical formula Mg3Al2(SiO4)3, but it often contains other elements in small amounts, such as calcium, chromium, iron, and manganese. Pyrope forms a solid solution series with almandine and spessartine, collectively known as the pyralspite garnets: pyrope, almandine, and spessartine. In the crystal structure of pyrope, iron and manganese can substitute for magnesium. These mixed-composition garnets are categorized based on their pyrope-almandine ratio. One example of such a garnet is rhodolite, which typically contains 70% pyrope.
Identification
Color: Blood red to black red, red, orange red, pink; some varieties are very dark, almost black, while others can take on tones of purple to purple red. Some chromium-rich pyropes are thermochromic, becoming green when heated.
Crystal habit: Euhedra typically display rhombic dodecahedral form, but trapezohedra are not uncommon, and hexoctahedra are seen in some rare samples. Massive and granular forms also occur.
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness: 7.0–7.5
Luster: Greasy to vitreous
Streak: White
Specific gravity: 3.78 (+0.09 / -0.16)
Polish luster: Vitreous
Optical properties: Single refractive, often anomalous double refractive
Refractive index: 1.74 (ranges from 1.714 to over 1.742)
Birefringence: Isotropic, appears black in cross-polarized light
Pleochroism: None
Ultraviolet fluorescence: Inert
Absorption spectra: Broad band at 564 nm with cutoff at 440 to 445 nm. Fine gem quality pyropes may show chromium lines in the red end of the spectrum.
Solubility: Insoluble in water, weakly soluble in HF
Mineral association: Olivine, pyroxene, hornblende, biotite, diamond
Origin
Pyrope garnet originates primarily in ultramafic rocks, such as peridotite, sourced from the Earth’s mantle. These mantle-derived rocks are formed through both igneous and metamorphic processes. Pyrope can also be found in ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks, such as those found in the Dora-Maira massif in the western Alps. In this location, pyrope occurs in crystals that can reach nearly 12 cm in diameter, with some specimens containing inclusions of coesite, enstatite, and sapphirine.
Pyrope garnet is also commonly found in peridotite xenoliths from kimberlite pipes, some of which are diamond-bearing. Chrome-rich varieties of pyrope, known as chrome-pyrope, have a Cr2O3 content of 3% to 8%, which gives them a distinctive violet to deep purple color, often with a greenish hue. Because of their association with diamonds, chrome-pyrope is often used as an indicator mineral to locate kimberlite pipes in regions where erosive processes have obscured their origins.
Pyrope Garnet Identification
Visually, distinguishing pyrope from other red garnets like almandine can be challenging, as they share many similarities. However, pyrope is generally known for having fewer flaws and inclusions. Some distinguishing features are listed in the table provided alongside the text. It is important to note that many of these properties were determined from synthetic, pure-composition samples, which may differ from natural stones. Additionally, features like specific gravity can be difficult to assess if the sample is small and embedded in a matrix with other silicate minerals. In these cases, mineral associations with other mafic and ultramafic minerals can be helpful in identifying pyrope.
In petrographic thin sections, pyrope can be identified by its high relief and isotropy, which are properties it shares with other common garnets. Pyrope tends to appear less intensely colored than other silicate minerals, typically displaying a pale pinkish-purple hue in plane-polarized light. Other identifying features under a microscope include its lack of cleavage, commonly euhedral crystal shape, and associations with specific minerals.
Garnet Birthstone
Garnet is the birthstone for January. It has long been associated with vitality, protection, and passion, making it a popular choice for jewelry and gifts, especially for those born in January.
Pyrope Garnet Meaning and Healing Properties
The following section is pseudoscientific and based on cultural beliefs.
Pyrope garnet is believed to have numerous healing properties. It is said to promote circulation, improve blood-related disorders, and support the digestive and immune systems. Emotionally, pyrope garnet is thought to alleviate anxiety, foster composure, and inspire courage and endurance. The stone’s warm, gentle energy is believed to unite the creative forces within oneself, enhancing self-expression and a sense of warmth and unity.
Sample from Pailin, Cambodia
FAQ
Are red pyrope garnets expensive?
High-quality pyrope garnets in larger sizes can range in price from $50 to $400 USD per carat. The rare pink Malaia garnets are valued even higher, at $1,000 to $3,000 USD per carat. Rhodolite garnet, which is a blend of almandine and pyrope, is prized for its beautiful purplish-red or raspberry color.
How big is a 1 carat garnet?
A one-carat garnet is typically around 6.5 mm in diameter for a round cut stone.
Can you wear garnet every day?
Yes, garnet is durable enough for everyday wear and is commonly used in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. However, demantoid garnets, being somewhat softer, are better suited for use in pendants or brooches.
What is red garnet good for?
Red garnet is considered an energizing stone that helps with manifestation and is often worn as a talisman for good luck. It is also believed to bring vitality, high energy, and protection while boosting self-confidence and helping individuals clarify their life purpose.
Is garnet a lucky stone?
Yes, garnet is often considered a lucky stone for love, success, and business relationships.
Do garnets chip easily?
Garnets are not particularly brittle and do not chip easily, making them more suitable for everyday jewelry compared to more fragile gemstones like emeralds. Additionally, some varieties of garnet exhibit the ability to change color under different lighting conditions, which adds to their appeal.
Is garnet harder than quartz?
On the Mohs hardness scale, diamond is rated the hardest at 10, followed by corundum (ruby and sapphire) at 9, and garnet, topaz, and spinel at 8. Quartz, along with tourmaline and emerald, has a hardness of 7, making garnet slightly harder than quartz.
Natural Pyrope Garnet for Sale in Our Gem Shop
We offer custom-made pyrope garnet jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Please contact us for a quote.
