Spessartine
orange · Garnet family
| Also known as | Garnet (Garnet family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Orange, Yellow, Red |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Isometric |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Sub-conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Mn 2+ 3 Al 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 |
| Specific gravity | 4.19 calculated, 4.12 – 4.32 measured |
What is Spessartine?
Spessartine is a nesosilicate, manganese aluminium garnet species, Mn2+3Al2(SiO4)3. This mineral is sometimes mistakenly referred to as spessartite.
How to identify Spessartine
- Lustre: Vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 6.5 – 7.5 — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Isometric crystal system.
Spessartine in different forms
Stones often confused with Spessartine
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Spessartine?
Spessartine is Mohs 6.5 – 7.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Spessartine?
Spessartine is typically orange, yellow, red (Yellow through red).