Pyrope

For over 600 years, the so-called ‘Bohemian Garnets’ from the Czech Republic amass the bulk of pyropes used in jewellery. During the Victorian Era, these garnets were especially coveted. Pyrope garnets were typically rose-cut in various shapes and fitted together to completely blanket the piece.

Bohemian Pyrope Garnet Cluster Brooch, c. Mid-19th Century.

Bohemian Pyrope Garnet Cluster Brooch, c. Mid-19th Century.

Gemological Information for Pyrope

  
Color:Red to Purplish-Red (Allochromatic so in Theory Pyrope is Colorless when Pure. It is Colored by Trace Amounts of Iron and/or Chromium)
Crystal Structure:Cubic
Refractive Index: 1.74-1.76
Durability:Good
Hardness:7.25
Family:Garnet
Similar Stones:
Treatments:Usually not Treated
Country of Origin:
  • Historically – Czech Republic (Bohemian Garnets)

  • Navajo Reservation in Arizona, USA; Going by the Name Arizona Ant Hill Garnet, this Pyrope, which is Mainly Colored by Chrome, was Initially Found Because Ants had Transported Them Up to the Surface. These Garnets were Never Mined Commercially and their Occurrence in Antique Jewelry is Rare.

  • South Africa: Found as a By-Product of Diamond Mining, These Pyropes Have Been Used as Indicators of Diamond Deposits. They occur in Kimberlite Pipes.

  • Other Localities Include Sri Lanka and Russia.

    • Pyrope Care

      
    Ultrasonic Cleaning:Safe
    Steam Cleaning:Safe
    Warm Soapy Water:Safe
    Chemical Attack:Avoid
    Light Sensitivity:Stable
    Heat Sensitivity:Stable