Gemstone profile and identification guide
Pyrope
Pyrope is a magnesium-rich red garnet species prized for saturated color and durability.
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Overview
Pyrope is a magnesium-rich red garnet species prized for saturated color and durability.
Did you know? Historic Bohemian garnets are often pyrope-rich compositions.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Pyrope
Scientific classification: Silicate (Garnet Group: Pyrope)
Hardness: 7.25 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Deep Red
Secondary colour: Purplish Red
Colour family: Reds
Garnet RI/SG values and lack of cleavage support pyrope 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 and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure notes where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7.25 Mohs
Chemical composition: Magnesium aluminum silicate [Mg3Al2(SiO4)3]
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Mozambique, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Pyrope garnet in rich red to purplish-red tones.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Pyrope
Mineral group: Garnet group
Chemical formula: Magnesium aluminum silicate [Mg3Al2(SiO4)3]
Mohs hardness: 7.25
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.58-3.84
Refractive index: 1.73-1.76
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Red to purplish red
Common inclusions: Crystals, needles, and healed fractures
Geological environment: Metamorphic and mantle-derived ultramafic settings
Principal mining regions: Mozambique, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, United States
Important commercial sources: Pyrope garnet occurs in metamorphic and mantle-related deposits globally
Historical significance: Important traditional garnet species in jewelry history.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic garnet simulants exist.
Common look-alikes: Almandine, rhodolite, red spinel
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted jewelry gems and collector mineral specimens.
Care recommendations: Durable for routine wear; avoid hard impact on included stones.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Pyrope.
Formation
Forms in high-pressure metamorphic and mantle-derived environments.
Origin
Pyrope garnet occurs in metamorphic and mantle-related deposits globally
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted jewelry gems and collector mineral specimens.
Ideal uses: Daily-wear jewelry and classic red garnet designs.
Care
Durable for routine wear; avoid hard impact on included stones.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Commonly confused gemstones
Pyrope FAQ
How can I identify Pyrope?
Compare hardness (7.25 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Pyrope appear in?
Pyrope garnet in rich red to purplish-red tones.
Where is Pyrope commonly used?
Daily-wear jewelry and classic red garnet designs.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.