Pyrope

Bohemian Garnet Earrings.

The Czech Republic; for over 600 years the so-called ‘Bohemian Garnets’ have formed the bulk of pyropes used in jewellery. Especially in Victorian times, these garnets were coveted and often covered entire jewelry items. These stones were typically cut in the so-called rose cut.

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