PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
Chemistry: Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3
Composition: Calcium Chromium Silicate
Class: Silicates
Subclass: Nesosilicates
Group: Garnet
Crystal system: isometric
Fracture: conchoidal
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Specific gravity: 3.8
Refractive Index: 1.86
Luster: vitreous
Streak: white
Cleavage: absent
Color: Green
Transparency: transparent to translucent
Associated Minerals: chromite and serpentine
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Uvarovite is the only consistently green garnet and has a beautiful emerald-green color.
ENVIRONMENT:
As with the other calcium garnets (andradite and grossular), uvarovite is formed from the
metamorphism of impure siliceous limestones and some other rocks that contain chromium.
CRYSTAL DESCRIPTION:
like other garnets, Uvarovite forms rounded crystals with 12 rhombic or 24 trapezoidal faces
these habits include the typical rhombic dodecahedron. But more commonly found as the 24
sided trapezohedron. Massive and granular occurrences are also seen.
LOCALITIES:
Finland; Sarany, Ural Mountains Region, Russia; California and South Africa.
USES:
Gemstones and mineral specimens.
Named after Count S. S. Uvarov (1765-1855), Russian statesman and ardent amateur
mineral collector.