The facts
What pyrope actually is
Mineralogically, pyrope is pyrope garnet — Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃, crystallising in the cubic system.
The colour is caused by iron and chromium. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.72–1.76, and the specific gravity sits near 3.65–3.87; cleavage is none.
Where pyrope comes from
The recognised sources are Bohemia, Czech Republic, Arizona, USA, South Africa and Tanzania.
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.
Is pyrope treated?
None.
That makes disclosure simple: there is nothing to declare. It also means a seller offering a "treated" version of this material is offering something else.
What pyrope is confused with
The usual confusions are Almandine, Ruby and Red spinel.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.72–1.76 and specific gravity 3.65–3.87 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What pyrope is used for
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
Hardness 7–7.5; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
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 pyrope costs
Indicative pricing for pyrope is $10–150/ct.
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 pyrope treated?
None.
Where does pyrope come from?
Bohemia, Czech Republic, Arizona, USA, South Africa and Tanzania. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is 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 pyrope cost?
Indicatively $10–150/ct. 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 pyrope confused with?
Most often Almandine, Ruby and Red spinel. A refractive index of 1.72–1.76 and a specific gravity near 3.65–3.87 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for 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 pyrope