Hydrogrossular

Hydrogrossular, is a calcium aluminium garnet series between the species Grossular and Hibschite Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)_3-x(OH)_4x, with hydroxide (OH) partially replacing silica (SiO₄).^[1] Hydrogrossular is found in massive crystal habit, sometimes grown in with idocrase. ^[1]

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Hydrogrossular is translucent to opaque, and found in green to bluish green, pink, white, and gray.^[1] The cause of the green color is chromium, and possibly iron.^[1] Pink hydrogrossular is caused by the presence of manganese.^[1] Hydrogrossular may have dark gray to black small inclusions. ^[1]It has similarites to jade, and has the misnomers transvaal jade, and african jade.^[1]

Hydrogrossular is sometimes used as a gemstone, being cabochon cut, or made into beads. Sources for green and pink hydrogrossular are South Africa, Canada, and the US. White hydrogrossular is sourced from Burma and China.^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q} Gemological Institute of America, GIA Gem Reference Guide 1995, ISBN 0-87311-019-6