Grossular Garnet

Grossular garnet is a variety of the garnet family different from almandine, pyrope, and spessartite. It is mostly found in shades of green and pink. Moreover, its properties are different from the said garnets as well. Below, we talk about the two most commonly occurring grossular garnet colors from different locations in the world.

Table of Contents

1. Green Grossular (Garnet)

Green grossular garnet is one of the two green varieties of the garnet family. One is found in transparent crystals and the other is massive. Massive green grossular garnet from South Africa is known as Transvaal jade. It is named after its main locality and because it resembles jade. It may contain black specks of the mineral magnetite.

The green color of grossular garnet is due to the presence of chromium and vanadium. Since the 1960s, a transparent, green grossular garnet, named tsavorite, has been mined in Kenya. Massive green grossular has been used as a decorative stone and in bead necklace. Tsavorite garnet is faceted like a gem.

Occurrence

The name grossular is derived from the botanical name of the gooseberry, R. grossularia. Massive grossular garnet of a gooseberry-green color was first discovered in the USSR. Since then, it has also been found in Hungary and Italy.

Green Grossular Garnet is found in Pakistan, Canada, Sri Lanka, the former USSR, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and the USA. Green grossular stone from Kenya is the most commonly available gemstone.

2. Pink Grossular (Garnet)

Pink Grossular garnet is almost colorless. However, impurities incorporated during its formation cause a wide range of shades in pink. The pink color is due to the presence of iron.

Pinkish grossular garnet from Mexico may be referred to as Rosolite.

Occurrence

Pink Grossular garnet is found in Mexico, usually as a massive form of metamorphic rock. It is rare to find crystals. Moreover, it is also found in South Africa.