Pyrope Garnet

 

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Pyrope, as a gemstone, was used by the ancients and, along with almandine, was the historical birthstone for January. The downfall of garnets high esteem was the massive influx of small, low priced, dark red pyropes about mid 19th century. Known as Bohemian garnets, these pyropes were the result of massive mining operations in Czechoslovakia during the 19th century, which eventually exhausted those deposits.  Usually small, under 2 carats, larger specimens tend to be very dark and, when cut into large cabachons, are referred to as carbuncles, from the Latin carbo meaning coal, referring to the similarity of color and reflection. A single large carbuncle was said to be the light of Noah's ark. South African pyropes, once known as "Cape rubies," occur in the same location as diamonds and may even occur as inclusions within diamonds. So frequently are the two associated that finding African anthill garnet was an indicator of diamond bearing kimberlite beneath the surface.  Fine quality pyrope defies the poor reputation brought about by its Victorian-age variety.

 

Pyrope, because of its deep red color, derives its name from the Greek word pyropos, meaning firelike, or, I see fire. Some pyropes found in the Umba Valley of east Africa can show a color change which includes this variety of a garnet as a phenomenon gemstone. Another variety of pyrope found in Arizona is sometimes found excavated by ants in their resulting anthills. This variety, once referred to as "Arizona rubies," is commonly referred to as anthill garnet. Available in sizes under 2 carats, having a pure blood red color, this is considered by many to be the only modern "true" pyrope. Because fine pyrope can resemble ruby it has several misnomers (which should be forever forgotten as they are misleading) including "Colorado ruby" and "Arizona ruby."

 

A dispersion of 0.022, 7.25 on Mohs scale, and density of 3.65-3.87. Sometimes contains inclusions of small, rounded quartz crystals or minute rutile needles and having a magnetic property. Pyrope never occurs pure but with components of almandine and spessartine. Many of the South and east African pyropes contain small amounts of chromium, hence their ruby red color, and are referred to by some as chrome pyropes.

 

Ultrasonic. Most garnets are sensitive to heat.

 

Czechoslovakia, Brazil, Argentina, Tanzania, Russia, Australia, Norway, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, and several states in the U.S. including North Carolina, Arkansas, and the Four Corners area of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.

 

Ancient civilizations separated by oceans have similar stories of snakes which would carry a light, a garnet, in either forehead or mouth and could be stolen when the snake would drop it to look at it. The fourth heaven described in the Koran is built of carbuncle. In India, garnet was identified with the sun, which was believed to have the most significant astrological influence over their lives. Garnet was also the symbol of Mars, the Roman god of war. Used in Native American medicine rattles for healing ceremonies.