Gemstone profile and identification guide
Melanite
Melanite is a black titanium-rich variety of andradite garnet.
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Overview
Melanite is a black titanium-rich variety of andradite garnet.
Did you know? Melanite has appeared historically in antique jewelry as a natural black garnet option.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Melanite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Garnet Group: Andradite Variety)
Hardness: 6.75 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: adamantine to vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Black
Secondary colour: Dark Brown Black
Colour family: Blacks
Andradite garnet optics with black body color and high luster support melanite identification.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium iron silicate [Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3]
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Italy, Russia, Germany, Mali, Mexico
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Opaque to translucent black andradite garnet variety.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Andradite (melanite variety)
Mineral group: Garnet group
Chemical formula: Calcium iron silicate [Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3]
Mohs hardness: 6.75
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: adamantine to vitreous
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White to light brown
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.7-3.9
Refractive index: 1.88-1.94
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Black to very dark brown-black
Common inclusions: Needles, crystal inclusions, growth structures
Geological environment: Skarn and contact metamorphic environments
Principal mining regions: Italy, Russia, Germany, Mali, Mexico
Important commercial sources: Melanite occurs in skarn and alkaline igneous contexts in multiple countries
Historical significance: Recognized black garnet variety in historical and collector jewelry.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Black glass and synthetic substitutes can imitate.
Common look-alikes: Black spinel, black tourmaline, onyx
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted stones, cabochons, and vintage-style black gemstone jewellery.
Care recommendations: Generally durable for jewelry; avoid severe impact on included stones.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Melanite.
Formation
Forms in skarns and metamorphosed carbonate systems with iron-rich fluids.
Origin
Melanite occurs in skarn and alkaline igneous contexts in multiple countries
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted stones, cabochons, and vintage-style black gemstone jewellery.
Ideal uses: Black gemstone jewelry alternatives to onyx and spinel.
Care
Generally durable for jewelry; avoid severe impact on included stones.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Melanite FAQ
How can I identify Melanite?
Compare hardness (6.75 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (adamantine to vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Melanite appear in?
Opaque to translucent black andradite garnet variety.
Where is Melanite commonly used?
Black gemstone jewelry alternatives to onyx and spinel.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.