Magnesium-rich garnet with a distinctive deep red color. Often found in kimberlites associated with diamond deposits. Color: Deep red, purplish-red. Luster: Vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: None. Hardness: 7-7.5. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Isometric Cubic. Chemical formula: Mg₃Al₂ SiO₄ ₃. Specific gravity: 3.5-3.8. Formation: Forms under high-pressure conditions in peridotites and eclogites; found in kimberlite pipes. Common geological settings: South Africa, Czech Republic Bohemia , Arizona, China; indicator mineral for diamond exploration. Common look-alikes and related entries: Almandine, Spinel, Ruby.
Red minerals — Place this specimen in a broader field-identification workflow.
Sources, scope & corrections
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:47.868255+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Magnesium-rich garnet with a distinctive deep red color. Often found in kimberlites associated with diamond deposits.
How can you identify Pyrope?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Deep red, purplish-red; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 7-7.5; cleavage: None; crystal system: Isometric Cubic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Pyrope form?
Forms under high-pressure conditions in peridotites and eclogites; found in kimberlite pipes.
Where is Pyrope commonly found?
South Africa, Czech Republic Bohemia , Arizona, China; indicator mineral for diamond exploration.
What is Pyrope commonly confused with?
Pyrope may be confused with Almandine, Spinel, Ruby. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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