Difference between revisions of "Spessartite"
From The Gemology Project
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Spessartite shows a typical spectrum due to manganese (idiochromatic) and some iron (from [[almandine]]). | Spessartite shows a typical spectrum due to manganese (idiochromatic) and some iron (from [[almandine]]). | ||
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+ | [[Image:Loliondospess.jpg|thumb|left|600px|Spectrum of a spessartite from the Loliondo deposit which was discovered in 2007]] | ||
===Inclusions=== | ===Inclusions=== |
Revision as of 09:06, 9 March 2010
Spessartite Garnet | |
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Chemical composition | Mn3Al2(SiO4)3
Manganese aluminum silicate |
Crystal system | Cubic |
Habit | Dodecahedra |
Cleavage | None |
Hardness | 7 |
Optic nature | Isotropic |
Refractive index | 1.795-1.815 |
Birefringence | None |
Specific gravity | 4.12-4.20 |
Lustre | Vitreous |
Spessartite is also named spessartine, both names are used interchangeably.
Contents
Diagnostics
Color
Red, reddish-orange to yellowish-brown.
Spectroscope
Spessartite shows a typical spectrum due to manganese (idiochromatic) and some iron (from almandine).
Inclusions
- Feathers of liquid droplets ("shredded inclusions"), negative crystals.
Specific gravity
Spessartite sinks in all common heavy liquids.
Chelsea Colour Filter
Spessartite will show red under the CCF.
Varieties
Mandarine/Kashmirine/Hollandine
Three names for the same intense orange variety of spessartite.
Malaia
- Main entry: pyrope
Malaia garnet (or malaya garnet) is the red-orange variety of pyrope-spessartite.
Inclusion images
Localities
- Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
- Burma
- Brazil
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Namibia
- California