What is Uvarovite?
Uvarovite is the vivid green chromium garnet, usually found as small crystals or sparkling crusts on chromite-bearing rock.
Mineralogy and structure
Reference formula: Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3. Uvarovite is the chromium-rich calcium garnet species. It often forms a druse or crust rather than large transparent crystals. The existing Garnet relationship and published representative structure are preserved. Uvarovite is classified with silicates and has cubic crystal symmetry. Typical hardness is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.7–3.8.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include emerald green, dark green. The usual granular, crusty, dodecahedral habit and vitreous lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Uvarovite forms in or is associated with serpentinites, chromite deposits and chromium-rich metamorphic rocks. Important documented localities include Russia, Finland, Turkey, South Africa and the United States.
Emerald colour in a garnet crust
Uvarovite is prized for saturated green colour and sparkling druse texture. Its best commercial presentation combines sharp microcrystals, dark chromite contrast and a documented locality.
Collecting and care
Protect crystal crusts from impact and abrasive cleaning. Keep the specimen dry and retain the chromite-bearing locality information.
