AllMineralsRock
Pyrope
Pyrope is a popular gemstone (garnet) composed of magnesium aluminum silicate. [1]
Pyrope: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Pyrope:- Transparency: Pyrope can be translucent or transparent.
- Luster: In terms of luster, pyrope is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Pyrope streaks colorless.
- Specific Gravity: Pyrope's specific gravity ranges from 3.5 to 3.6.
Pyrope: Background and Summary
Pyrope is a variety of garnet that belongs to the isometric crystal system. It is a deep red gemstone that is often referred to as the "Bohemian ruby" due to its rich color and its historical association with the Czech Republic. Pyrope is a popular gemstone that is used in jewelry and other decorative applications. It is a durable stone that is resistant to scratches and abrasion, making it a popular choice for rings, earrings, and pendants.One of the key features of pyrope is its deep red color, which is caused by the presence of iron and magnesium in the crystal lattice. The color of pyrope can range from a deep burgundy red to a bright crimson red, depending on the concentration of these elements. Pyrope is typically transparent to translucent, with a vitreous luster. It has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is relatively hard and resistant to scratches.
Pyrope is used in a variety of applications, including jewelry, abrasives, and water filtration. As a gemstone, pyrope is highly valued for its rich color and durability. It is often used in rings, earrings, and necklaces, and is a popular choice for engagement rings due to its deep red color. Pyrope is also used as an abrasive in industrial applications, such as sandpaper and grinding wheels. It is a highly effective abrasive due to its hardness and durability. Finally, pyrope is used in water filtration systems to remove impurities from drinking water. It is an effective filter medium due to its high surface area and ability to trap particles.
Pyrope: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Pyrope (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | Mg3Al2Si3O12 |
| Chemical Composition | magnesium aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.5, 3.6 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: red sometimes: black less common: pink, green, orange, purple |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, weakly soluble in HF |
| Category | nesosilicate |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Pyrope: FAQ
Q: Is pyrope a rare gemstone?A: Pyrope is not considered to be a rare gemstone, but high-quality specimens can be relatively rare and valuable.
Q: How can I tell if a gemstone is pyrope?
A: Pyrope is typically a deep red color, with a vitreous luster and a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It can be identified using a variety of gemological tests, including refractometer and polariscope tests.
Q: What is the most common use of pyrope?
A: The most common use of pyrope is as a gemstone in jewelry, particularly in rings and earrings.
Sources
- Gemological Institute of America. "Pyrope." https://www.gia.edu/pyrope- Minerals.net. "Pyrope." https://www.minerals.net/mineral/pyrope.aspx
- International Colored Gemstone Association. "Pyrope Garnet." https://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/pyrope.html
- Pyrope: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrope
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