Pyrope is the blood-red variety of the garnet family. Its color is due to the presence of iron and chromium content. Pyrope garnet rarely has inclusions, but when present, they are rounded crystals or have irregular outlines. As with all garnets, it has no cleavage, and fracture is sub-conchoidal to uneven.
Pyrope comes from the Greek pyropos, which means fiery. Swiss and South African pyropes are lighter red than stones from Pakistan and Bohemia. The latter is where the pyrope jewelry has been made for over 500 years.
Jewelry made out of perfectly clean crystals of uniform color was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Occurrence
Pyrope garnet is found in volcanic rock and alluvial deposits, and may, along with certain other minerals, indicate the presence of diamond-bearing rocks. It is found in Pakistan, Arizona (USA), Myanmar (Burma), South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Scotland, Switzerland, and Tanzania.
Pyrope Properties
- Specific Gravity: 3.80
- Refractive Index: 1.72-1.76
- Birefringence (DR): None
- Luster: Vitreous
- Crystal Structure: Cubic
- Composition: Magnesium aluminum silicate
- Hardness: 7½
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