Pyrope
red · Garnet family
| Also known as | Garnet (Garnet family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Red |
| Mohs hardness | 7.0–7.5 |
| Lustre | greasy to vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Transparency | Can form with any diaphaneity, translucent is common |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Mg 3 Al 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 |
| Specific gravity | 3.78 |
What is Pyrope?
The mineral pyrope is a member of the garnet group. Pyrope is the only member of the garnet family to always display red colouration in natural samples, and it is from this characteristic that it gets its name: from the Greek words for fire and eye. Despite being less common than most garnets, it is a widely used gemstone with numerous alternative names, some of which are misnomers. Chrome pyrope, and Bohemian garnet are two alternative names, the usage of the latter being discouraged by the Gemological Institute of America. Misnomers include Colorado ruby, Arizona ruby, California ruby, Rocky
How to identify Pyrope
- Lustre: greasy to vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 7.0–7.5 — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Cubic crystal system.
Pyrope in different forms
Stones often confused with Pyrope
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Pyrope?
Pyrope is Mohs 7.0–7.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Pyrope?
Pyrope is typically red (Blood red to black red, red, orange red, pink, some varieties are very dark, almost black, while others can take tones o).