cubic Nesosilicates
Tsavorite
Ca3Al2(SiO4)3:V,Cr
Quick Facts
Hardness
7.0
Specific Gravity
3.61
Refractive Index
1.74
Optical Character
Isotropic
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Tsavorite (Grossular Garnet)
#! System: Cubic (m3m)
#! Habit: Dodecahedron-trapezohedron combination
cubic[m3m]:{110}@1.0 + {211}@0.6
cubic
m3m
{110} {211}
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemcubic
Hardness (Mohs)7.0
Specific Gravity3.61
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal to uneven
LustreVitreous
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.74
Optical CharacterIsotropic
Dispersion0.028
PleochroismNone (isotropic)
Colours
Vivid greenYellowish-greenBluish-greenMedium greenDeep green
Localities
Kenya (Tsavo)Tanzania (Merelani)MadagascarPakistan
Common Inclusions
Graphite flakesActinolite needlesFingerprintsGrowth tubesDiopside crystals
Known Treatments
Generally not treated
Crystal Forms
dodecahedrontrapezohedron
Interactive Preview
Open this crystal in the CDL Playground to rotate, export, and explore in 3D.
Open in Playground #! Species: Tsavorite (Grossular Garnet)
#! System: Cubic (m3m)
#! Habit: Dodecahedron-trapezohedron combination
cubic[m3m]:{110}@1.0 + {211}@0.6
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
