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Spessartite garnet is a manganese-aluminum garnet known for its vibrant orange to reddish-orange color, which can range from yellow-orange to reddish-brown. It has a hardness of 7 to 7.5, a vitreous (glassy) luster, and a high refractive index that gives it brilliance. While often transparent, it can be translucent and frequently contains inclusions like fine crystals or bubbles, which are sometimes called "sugar".

Physical and chemical properties

• Chemical Formula:

  Mn3Al2(SiO4)3

  Mn3Al2(SiO4)3

• Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale

• Color: Yellow-orange, orange, reddish-orange, and reddish-brown, with the brightest orange hues being the most prized

• Crystal System: Isometric, often found as massive pebbles or dodecahedra/icositetrahedra combinations

• Luster: Vitreous to greasy

• Inclusions: Often contains fine crystals or bubbles, referred to as "sugar," which can give it a soft glow

• Specific Gravity: 4.15 (+ 0.05; - 0.03)

• Refractive Index: 1.79-1.820

• Dispersion: 0.027 (moderate)

• Cleavage: None

Other characteristics

• Durability: Considered a durable gemstone suitable for jewelry, though it should be protected from heat and acids.

• Care: Clean with warm, soapy water and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.

• Rarity: Spessartite is considered one of the more rare garnets, especially in larger sizes (over 10 carats) or fine colors.

• Origin: Named after the Spessart district in Germany, where it was first found.