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Spessartite garnet is a manganese-aluminum silicate garnet known for its vibrant orange to reddish-orange color, sometimes called Mandarin garnet. It is relatively hard, with a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, making it durable enough for jewelry. The gem's high refractive index gives it brilliance, though it often contains fine inclusions that can create a "sugar" effect or unique patterns. Eye-clean stones are rare and highly valued. Key characteristics Chemical Composition: Manganese-aluminum silicate (\(Mn_{3}Al_{2}(SiO_{4})_{3}\)).Color: Primarily orange to reddish-orange, with variations from yellow-orange to deep red-orange.Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale.Crystal Structure: Isometric system, often found as dodecahedra, icositetrahedra, or massive pebbles.Refractive Index: \(1.810\pm 0.004\).Dispersion: \(0.027\).Clarity: Often contains inclusions, such as fine crystals or needle-like tubes.Specific Gravity: \(4.15\). Rarity and value Rarity: Fine, inclusion-free stones, especially in larger sizes, are rare and valuable.Value Factors: Price is significantly influenced by color intensity and clarity. Care and maintenance Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush.Precautions: Avoid exposure to heat and acids. It is not safe for steamer cleaning. Other details Other names: Sometimes called spessartine.Birthstone: January birthstone and second anniversary stone.Metaphysical properties: Associated with passion, creativity, and strength.