Rock Identifier
Spessartine Garnet (Manganese aluminum silicate, Mn3Al2(SiO4)3) — gemstone
gemstone

Spessartine Garnet

Manganese aluminum silicate, Mn3Al2(SiO4)3

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system with no cleavage, and specific gravity around 4.12.

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Physical properties

Hardness 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system with no cleavage, and specific gravity around 4.12.

Formation & geological history

Forms in granitic pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, and occasionally in carbonatites through high-temperature regional metamorphism or magmatic processes.

Uses & applications

Prized as a vibrant gemstone for high-end jewelry and collected by mineral enthusiasts.

Geological facts

Spessartine is often called the mandarin garnet due to its bright, fiery orange coloration found in premier African specimens.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive orange hue, high refractive index, and conchoidal fracture. Found in Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, and the USA.