16.08: Garnet
- Page ID
- 4130
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)| Garnet | |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | L3M2(SiO4)3somorphous series |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Habit | Dodecahedra |
| Cleavage | None |
| Hardness | 6.5-7.5 |
| Optic nature | Isotropic |
| Refractive index | 1.74-1.89 |
| Birefringence | None |
| Specific gravity | 3.60-4.20 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to sub-adamantine |
Chemical composition
Garnet is the family name given to a group of members with a common crystal habit and slightly different chemical makeup (isomorphous). The following are the 6 endmembers of the garnet group:
- Pyrope (magnesium aluminum silicate)
- Almandine (iron aluminum silicate)
- Spessartite (manganese aluminum silicate)
- Uvarovite (calcium chromium silicate)
- Grossular (calcium aluminum silicate)
- Andradite (calcium iron silicate)
In total, there are 15 members of the garnet group. In gemology, we traditionally disregard the other 9 because they do not produce gem quality minerals.
All the above members are rarely found with an ideal chemical makeup. Instead, they form an isomorphous series. Most gem quality garnets belong to either of the following 5 isomorphous series [Hanneman,2000] and their chemical composition is an intermediate between the two endmembers mentioned.
- Pyrope-Almandine
- Pyrope-Spessartite
- Spessartite-Almandine
- Pyrope-Grossular
- Grossular-Andradite
According to whether the L or the M component in the chemical composition of the species is constant, we can divide the members of the garnet family into two groups.
- Pyralspites (Pyrope, Almandine, Spessartite)
- Ugrandites (Uvarovite, Grossular, Andradite)
Classification of gem garnets
No other gemstone gives rise to so much controversy as the species of the garnet group.
The garnet group consists mainly of isomorphous series with end members that never occur in its pure form in nature. This makes it almost impossible to assign definite values of physical and optical properties to each species.
The major gemological institutes (GIA and Gem-A), as well as the Mineralogical Society, seem to be in disagreement about when a garnet should be named a pyrope, an almandine, or a pyrope-almandine.
Traditionally, mineralogists use the 50%-50% rule. If there is over 50% of pyrope in the chemical composition, it will be a pyrope and vice versa. They do not recognize the intermediate values of the isomorphous series. It is either a pyrope or an almandine, never a pyrope-almandine [Hanneman, 2000]. In gemology, we do accept the latter.
The physical and optical properties of the members of the garnet group are therefore not to be taken too literally until a clear, unified system of naming gem garnets is accepted worldwide.
The physical and optical properties given are not definite values; they overlap.
Specific gravity is in general not regarded as a primary means of separation between species of the garnet group. The combination of color (eye and spectroscopy) with RI however is.
The table below gives the refractive indices taught currently (2006) by the two major gemological institutes compared to Dr. Hanneman's unified system of classifying garnets.
| Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Refractive indices of gem garnets | |||
| Hanneman | Gem-A | GIA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrope | 1.714-* | 1.74-1.76 | 1.720-1.770 |
| Almandine | *-1.830 | 1.76-1.81 | 1.760-1.820 |
| Spessartite | *-1.800-* | 1.79-1.82 | 1.790-1.814 |
| Grossular | *-1.734-* | 1.73-1.75 | 1.730-1.760 |
| Andradite | *-1.887 | ±1.89 | 1.855-1.895 |
| * depending on isomorphous series | |||
An in-depth study on garnets has been carried out by Carol M. Stockton and Dr. D. Vincent Manson at the GIA laboratory in the 1980s which resulted in a final paper on the classification of gem garnets in 1985. In this final paper gem quality garnets were divided into 8 species according to chemical and physical properties, viz. grossular, andradite, pyrope, pyrope-almandine, almandine, almandine-spessartine, spessartine, and pyrope-spessartine.
Qualifications were made on color, refractive index and spectral analyses (supported by chemical analyses).
| Table \(\PageIndex{2}\): Refractive indices according to Stockton and Manson | |||
| Species | Refractive index | Hues | Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grossular | 1.730-1.760 | Green through reddish-orange, colorless | Tsavorite, hessonite |
| Andradite | 1.880-1.895 | Very slightly yellowish green through orangy yellow | Demantoid, topazolite |
| Pyrope | 1.714-1.742 | Purplish red through reddish orange, colorless | Chrome pyrope |
| Pyrope-almandine | 1.742-1.785 | reddish orange through red-purple | Rhodolite |
| Almandine | 1.785-1.830 | Orange red through purplish red | |
| Almandine-spessartine | 1.810-1.820 | Reddish orange through orange-red | |
| Spessartine | 1.780-1.810 | Yellowish orange through reddish orange | |
| Pyrope-spessartine | 1.742-1.780 | Greenish yellow through purple | Malaia, color change |
During the study, Stockton and Manson published 4 earlier, intermediate, articles in Gems & Gemology which grabbed the attention of Dr. Hanneman. Although the Stockton/Manson papers brought great new insights into the classification of garnets in gemology, Hanneman proposed a system that is perhaps more easily understood by gemologists.
It should be noted that any classification system is under debate and the reader should make the decision on which system is most appropriate/logical.
Dr. Hanneman believes the classification of garnets should be based on the 30-70% rule instead of the 50-50% rule mineralogists use. This system is similar to that used for plagioclase feldspar, with the note that garnets can form series with all (or most) members of the garnet group instead of a static system between two end members.
As the differences between the two end members differ, so will the 30% and 70% of each "timeline", hence lowering or raising the values. Thus, instead of assigning a definite value (or a range of values) to a particular species, the values are flexible and are directly related to the isomorphous series the species belongs to.
This seems to be a complicated system, yet it could provide for a very good alternative to the vague values assigned to gem garnets as described in textbooks and syllabuses today while giving room for varieties (marketable names) such as rhodolite, malaia, and future discoveries.
| Table \(\PageIndex{3}\): Refractive indices according to Hanneman | |||
| Series | Name (species) | Refractive index | Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrope-Almandine | Pyrope | 1.714-1.749 | |
| Pyrope-Almandine | 1.749-1.795 | Rhodolite | |
| Almandine | 1.795-1.830 | ||
| Pyrope-Spessartite | Pyrope | 1.714-1.740 | |
| Pyrope-Spessartite | 1.740-1.774 | Malaia (malaya) | |
| Spessartite | 1.774-1.800 | ||
| Almandine-Spessartite | Spessartite | 1.800-1.809 | |
| Almandine-Spessartite | 1.809-1.821 | Mandarin, Kashmirine, Hollandine | |
| Almandine | 1.821-1.830 | ||
| Grossular-Almandine | Grossular | 1.734-1.763 | |
| Grossular-Almandine | 1.763-1.801 | ||
| Almandine | 1.821-1.830 | ||
| Grossular-Spessartite | Grossular | 1.734-1.754 | Tsavorite, Hessonite |
| Grossular-Spessartite | 1.754-1.780 | ||
| Spessartite | 1.780-1.800 | ||
| Pyrope-Grossular | Pyrope | 1.714-1.720 | |
| Pyrope-Grossular | 1.720-1.728 | ||
| Grossular | 1.728-1.734 | ||
| Grossular-Andradite | Grossular | 1.734-1.770 | |
| Grossular-Andradite | 1.770-1.841 | Grandite | |
| Andradite | 1.841-1.887 | Melanite, Topazolite, Demantoid | |
Hanneman's concept illustrated
The concept of intermediate species between endmembers is not new and has been earlier proposed by Anderson and Stockton/Manson. Following is an illustration according to Hanneman's calculations.
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Timeline illustration for Hanneman's concept of the Pyrope-Almandine series (in % almandine)
Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Timeline illustration for Hanneman's concept of the Pyrope-Spessartite series (in % spessartite) |
On the left are "timeline" examples of two isomorphous series with flexible values. It is unlikely that this system will ever be adopted by the major gemological institutes (in fact, they have rejected it) yet it does provide us with some insight in the complexity of trying to create a universal system for garnet classification. Some of the intermediate species (such as pyrope-almandine) are already accepted by both Gem-A and the GIA, but not all schools. Rhodolite and malaia garnet are (or will probably be) given "species" instead of "variety" status by the GIA. |
Valency in isomorphous replacement
The chemical formula of garnet is L3M2(SiO4)3, which means that the first element has a valency of 2+ and the second element has a valency of 3+. Elements with the same valency can easily replace each other to form new chemical bonds, as in the case of garnet. One should not confuse the presence of trace elements with isomorphous replacement. Trace elements are not part of the "ideal" chemical makeup.
Related topics
G&G Articles on Garnet 1934-1980
The GIA has published all the G&G's from 1934 until 1980 online. The organization of the list by subject was done by Joseph Gill.
- Spring 1968, A ruby red 4.27 ct. chrome pyrope, p. 279, 1p.
- Winter 1968, Transparent green grossularite, p. 375, 1p.
- Spring 1969, Tanzanian garnets, p. 15, 2pp.
- Summer 1969, Emerald-green grossularite garnet, p. 58, 1p.
- Summer 1969, A 2-phase inclusion in garnet (first seen), p. 67, 2pp.
- Winter 1969, A fine 6 ct. demantoid garnet showing horsetail inclusions, p. 121, 2pp.
- Spring 1970, New transparent green grossularite inclusions, p. 151, 2pp.
- Spring 1970, Alexandrite-like garnet from Tanzania, p. 162, 1p.
- Summer 1970, A rare Alexandrite Garnet from Tanzania, p. 174, 4pp.
- Summer 1970, Spessartite garnet inclusions, p. 189, 1p.
- Summer 1970, Spessartite absorption spectrum, p. 197, 2pp.
- Summer 1970, Grossularite garnet inclusions, p. 196, 2pp.
- Fall 1970, Testing demantoid with ultra-violet light, p. 226, 2pp.
- Fall 1970, New transparent colorless grossularite from Tanzania, p. 227, 3pp.
- Fall 1970, Alexandrite garnet from Norway, p. 229, 1p.
- Fall 1971, A massive hydrogrossular garnet cut in cabochon (one end pink, the other end green) (showing absorption spectrum), p. 354, 3pp.
- Summer 1972, Two unusual rhodolite property variations, p. 40, 1p.
- Spring 1973, A typical demantoid inclusion, p. 150, 1p.
- Summer 1974, Green grossularite garnets, "tsavorites" on the Kenya-Tanzania border, p. 290, 6pp.
- Summer 1974, Composition of "tsavorites" from Kenya and Tanzania, by Switzer, p. 296, 2pp.
- Fall 1974, Jewelry repair involving garnet and glass doublets, dangerous, p. 344, 2pp.
- Fall 1974, Some unusual inclusions in hessonite and rhodolite, p. 349, 2pp.
- Winter 1978, Blue to Red Colour Changing Garnet from East Africa, p. 122, 2pp.
- Winter 1978, Demantoid garnet from Korea; Alexandrite garnet from East Africa, p. 123, 3pp.
- Summer 1979, Colorless and Green Grossularite from Tanzania, by Pieter Muije, p. 162, 12pp.
- Fall 1979, Unusual Gem Garnets of East Africa, p. 218, 2pp.
References
- Naming Gem Garnets (2000) - W.Wm. Hanneman, Ph.D
- A Proposed New Classification for Gem Quality Garnets - Stockton & Manson, Gems & Gemology Winter 1985, pp205-217
External links
- Schematic overview of the garnet group (doc format)