The facts
What chrome Pyrope actually is
Mineralogically, chrome Pyrope is garnet group (pyrope) — Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ with Cr, crystallising in the isometric system.
The colour is caused by cr³⁺ gives a strong blood-red with a distinct chromium spectrum, unlike the iron-dominated red of almandine. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.740–1.760, and the specific gravity sits near 3.65–3.80; cleavage is none.
Where chrome Pyrope comes from
The recognised sources are Buell Park, Apache County, Arizona, USA, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa and České středohoří, Czech Republic.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How chrome Pyrope is treated
Untreated. Chrome pyrope is a kimberlite indicator mineral, which is why so much of it is a by-product of diamond prospecting. Arizona material is collected from harvester-ant mounds, hence 'anthill garnet'.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What chrome Pyrope is confused with
The usual confusions are Ruby, Almandine, Rhodolite and Spinel.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.740–1.760 and specific gravity 3.65–3.80 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What chrome Pyrope is used for
Chrome Pyrope is bought by jewellery and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Chrome Pyrope is 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What chrome Pyrope costs
Indicative pricing for chrome Pyrope is 10–80 USD/ct; small sizes dominate.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is chrome Pyrope treated, and how?
Untreated. Chrome pyrope is a kimberlite indicator mineral, which is why so much of it is a by-product of diamond prospecting. Arizona material is collected from harvester-ant mounds, hence 'anthill garnet'.
Where does chrome Pyrope come from?
Buell Park, Apache County, Arizona, USA, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa and České středohoří, Czech Republic. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is chrome Pyrope hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does chrome Pyrope cost?
Indicatively 10–80 USD/ct; small sizes dominate. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is chrome Pyrope confused with?
Most often Ruby, Almandine, Rhodolite and Spinel. A refractive index of 1.740–1.760 and a specific gravity near 3.65–3.80 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for chrome pyrope?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about chrome pyrope