About Pyrope
The magnesium-aluminum member of the Garnet group, known for its deep red color. It's a stone of vitality, courage, and passion, stimulating the root chakra and enhancing creativity.
Primary Hues
Deep Red, Blood Red, Purplish-Red, rarely Pink or Orange
Geological & Scientific Details
Pyrope is classified as a nesosilicate mineral which typically crystallizes in the cubic system. Its chemical formula is Mg3Al2(SiO4)3. Common crystal habits include euhedra typically display rhombic dodecahedral form, but trapezohedra are not uncommon, and hexoctahedra are seen in some rare samples. massive and granular forms also occur..
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Nesosilicate
- Chemical Formula: Mg3Al2(SiO4)3
- IMA Symbol: Prp[1]
- Crystal System: Cubic
- Predominant Geological Color: Blood red to black red, red, orange red, pink, some varieties are very dark, almost black, while others can take tones of purple to purple red, Some chromium-rich pyropes are thermochromic, becoming green when heated.[2]
- Crystal Habit: Euhedra typically display rhombic dodecahedral form, but trapezohedra are not uncommon, and hexoctahedra are seen in some rare samples. Massive and granular forms also occur.
- Cleavage: None
- Luster: greasy to vitreous[3]
- Streak: White
Associated Minerals
- Garnet Group (Almandine - forms series with, Spessartine, Grossular, Andradite)
- Olivine
- Pyroxene (Enstatite, Diopside)
- Chromite
- Diamond (common in ultramafic rocks like peridotites and kimberlites, and placer deposits)