Spessartite

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Spessartite Garnet
Chemical composition Mn3Al2(SiO4)3

Manganese aluminum silicate

Crystal system Cubic
Habit Dodecahedra
Cleavage None
Hardness 7
Optic nature Isotropic
Refractive index 1.795-1.815
Birefringence None
Specific gravity 4.12-4.20
Lustre Vitreous
"Mandarine" spessartite garnet

Diagnostics

Color

Red, reddish-orange to yellowish-brown.

Spectroscope

Spessartite shows a typical spectrum due to manganese.

Inclusions

  • Feathers of liquid droplets ("shredded inclusions").

Specific gravity

Spessartite sinks in all common heavy liquids.

Varieties

Mandarine/Kashmirine/Hollandine

Three names for the same intense orange variety of spessartite.

Localities

  • Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
  • Burma
  • Brazil
  • Madagascar