Difference between revisions of "Garnet"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
  
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A family of minerals composed of trisilicates with [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=aluminum aluminum], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=iron iron], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=calcium calcium], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=magnesium magnesium], [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=manganese manganese], or [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=chromium chromium]. Garnets are found in deposits around the world as transparent crystals embedded in igneous and metamorphic rocks. They have been used as gemstones since antiquity. The ruby red [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=pyrope pyrope] and the lighter red [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=almandine almandine] were the most highly prized varieties. The pale rose-purple [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=rhodolite rhodolite] is a mixture of pyrope and almandine. Garnets are also used as abrasives. The crushed, ground and cleaned garnet is sold as an abrasive powder, coated paper and coated cloth. Garnet particles have sharper cutting edges than aluminum oxide, but are expensive. To decrease costs, some commercially available garnet cloths are actually prepared with quartz. Sources of gem quality garnets include the Czech Republic, South Africa, Australia, China, India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and the U.S (New York, Maine, Idaho).
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A family of minerals composed of trisilicates with [[aluminum]], [[iron]], [[calcium]], [[magnesium]], [[manganese]], or [[chromium]]. Garnets are found in deposits around the world as transparent crystals embedded in igneous and metamorphic rocks. They have been used as gemstones since antiquity. The ruby red [[pyrope]] and the lighter red [[almandine]] were the most highly prized varieties. The pale rose-purple [[rhodolite]] is a mixture of pyrope and almandine. Garnets are also used as abrasives. The crushed, ground and cleaned garnet is sold as an abrasive powder, coated paper and coated cloth. Garnet particles have sharper cutting edges than aluminum oxide, but are expensive. To decrease costs, some commercially available garnet cloths are actually prepared with quartz. Sources of gem quality garnets include the Czech Republic, South Africa, Australia, China, India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and the U.S (New York, Maine, Idaho).
  
 
[[File:Garnetemr2.jpg|thumb|Garnet]]
 
[[File:Garnetemr2.jpg|thumb|Garnet]]
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== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
  

Revision as of 14:13, 15 January 2014

21.1213-CR2071-d1.jpg

Description

A family of minerals composed of trisilicates with Aluminum, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, or Chromium. Garnets are found in deposits around the world as transparent crystals embedded in igneous and metamorphic rocks. They have been used as gemstones since antiquity. The ruby red Pyrope and the lighter red Almandine were the most highly prized varieties. The pale rose-purple Rhodolite is a mixture of pyrope and almandine. Garnets are also used as abrasives. The crushed, ground and cleaned garnet is sold as an abrasive powder, coated paper and coated cloth. Garnet particles have sharper cutting edges than aluminum oxide, but are expensive. To decrease costs, some commercially available garnet cloths are actually prepared with quartz. Sources of gem quality garnets include the Czech Republic, South Africa, Australia, China, India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and the U.S (New York, Maine, Idaho).

Garnet

Synonyms and Related Terms

pyrope (deep red to black); almandine (deep red to black); spessartine (red to brown); grossularite (green); grossular (colorless); carbuncle; andradite (wine red); uvarovite (emerald green); tsavorite (Green); rhodolite (pale red to purple); hessonite (golden); topazolite; demantoid; melanite; Uralian emeralds; Greek anthrax; Granat (Deut.); granate (Esp.); grenat (Fr.); granaat (Ned.); granada (Port.); granatus (Lat.)

Raman

GarnetgrossRS.jpg


Other Properties

Isometric crystal system with dodecahedron and trapezohedron habits.

Luster = vitreous to resinous. Fracture = conchoidal or uneven. Streak = colorless to white

Fluorescence = none (except green ones which may give weak yellow-orange colors)

Mohs Hardness 6.5 - 7.5
Density 3.52-4.32
Refractive Index 1.74-1.94

Additional Information

J. Ogden, Jewelry of the Ancient World, Rizzoli International Publications, New York, 1982.

Comparisons

Properties of Common Abrasives

Properties of Common Gemstones

Natural and Simulated Diamonds


Additional Images

  • Garnet


Authority

  • Jack Odgen, Jewellery of the Ancient World, Rizzoli International Publications Inc., New York City, 1982
  • R.F.Symmes, T.T.Harding, Paul Taylor, Rocks, Fossils and Gems, DK Publishing, Inc., New York City, 1997
  • Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "garnet" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed December 4, 2001]. (color photo)
  • C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: Mohs hardness = 8
  • Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976
  • CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Robert Weast (ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, v. 61, 1980 Comment: density=3.15-4.3
  • R.M.Organ, Design for Scientific Conservation of Antiquities, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, 1968
  • Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979

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