Gemstone profile and identification guide
Uvarovite
Uvarovite is the chromium-rich green garnet species known for vivid drusy crystal clusters.
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Overview
Uvarovite is the chromium-rich green garnet species known for vivid drusy crystal clusters.
Did you know? Uvarovite rarely forms large crystals suitable for conventional faceting.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Uvarovite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Garnet Group: Uvarovite)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Emerald Green
Secondary colour: Dark Green
Colour family: Greens
Intense green drusy garnet crystals and chromium context identify uvarovite.
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 language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium chromium silicate [Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3]
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Russia, Finland, Poland, South Africa, Turkey
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Chromium-rich garnet species typically seen as bright green crystal druses.
Optical effects: Drusy Sparkle
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Uvarovite
Mineral group: Garnet group
Chemical formula: Calcium chromium silicate [Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3]
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.77-3.84
Refractive index: 1.86-1.87
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Bright green to deep green
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: Russia, Finland, Poland, South Africa, Turkey
Important commercial sources: Uvarovite is generally collected as drusy crystal specimens rather than large facetable gems
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in collector specimens and drusy jewelry applications.
Care recommendations: Durable species but drusy surfaces can chip if mishandled.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Uvarovite.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic and chromite-associated ultramafic environments.
Origin
Uvarovite is generally collected as drusy crystal specimens rather than large facetable gems
Uses
Best for: Used in collector specimens and drusy jewelry applications.
Ideal uses: Collector drusy garnet pieces.
Care
Durable species but drusy surfaces can chip if mishandled.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Uvarovite FAQ
How can I identify Uvarovite?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Uvarovite appear in?
Chromium-rich garnet species typically seen as bright green crystal druses.
Where is Uvarovite commonly used?
Collector drusy garnet pieces.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.