Almandite Garnet

Appearance:

• Almandite or almandine is a mineral species in the garnet group; cubic crystal system; chemical composition FeAL (SiO4)3
• Transparent to semi-translucent (for very dark stones)
• Reddish orange to red, slightly purplish red to reddish purple: typically dark in tone

Identification:

• Optic Character: SR, often ADR
• Refractive Index: 1.790 (3.030)
• Birefringence: none
• Dispersion: .024 HAYA
• Pleochroism: none
• Ultraviolet Fluorescence: inert
• Absorption Spectra: usually three strong bands at 504, 520, and 573 nm but may also show fainter lines at 423, 460, 610, and 680-690 nm
• Cause of Color: iron
• Specific Gravity: 4.05 (+.25, -.12)
• Polish Luster: vitreous to subadamantine
• Fracture: conchoidal
• Luster: greasy to vitreous
• Cleavage: none; may have indistinct parting
• Hardness: 7 to 71/2
• Toughness: fair to good

Birthstone Designation(s):

• January, Aquarius (approximately Jan. 20 – Feb. 18), 11:00 am, 2nd wedding anniversary

Major Sources:

• India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil. Others: Greenland, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanza-nia, US

Stone information is reference from:

• Gem Reference Guide, Published by GIA. ISBN 0-87311-019-6
• Gemstones of the World, Published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc NY, ISBN 1-4027-4016-6
• Encyclopedia of GEMSTONE, Published by ISHINSHA CO., LTD. ISBN 978-986-251-831-1