Gemstone profile and identification guide
Spessartine
Spessartine is a Red, Green silicate (garnet) prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.
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Overview
Spessartine is a Red, Green silicate (garnet) prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Spessartine
Scientific classification: Silicate (Garnet)
Hardness: 6.5 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Burgundy
Colour family: Greens
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 6.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Mixed silicate with iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium
Crystal system: Isometric
Common locations: Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Russia
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Spessartine is classified within the greens palette. Primary colour: green. Secondary colour: burgundy.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Formation
Forms in high-temperature metamorphic rocks and igneous environments from aluminum-rich minerals.
Origin
Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Russia
Uses
Best for: Jewellery, displays, and design accents.
Ideal uses: Versatile collections and polished showcases.
Care
Clean with mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals to preserve surface polish.
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
Spessartine FAQ
How can I identify Spessartine?
Compare hardness (6.5 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Spessartine appear in?
Spessartine is classified within the greens palette. Primary colour: green. Secondary colour: burgundy.
Where is Spessartine commonly used?
Versatile collections and polished showcases.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
Reference data from GIA and Mindat mineral records.