Schorlomite
A variety of Minerals
What is Schorlomite?
Garnets ( /ˈɡɑːrnɪt/) are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. All species of garnets possess similar physical properties and crystal forms, but differ in chemical composition. The different species are pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular (varieties of which are hessonite or cinnamon-stone and tsavorite), uvarovite and andradite. The garnets make up two solid solution series: pyrope-almandine-spessartine (pyralspite) and uvarovite-grossular-andradite (ugrandite).
Etymology & Origins
The word garnet comes from the 14th‑century Middle English word gernet, meaning 'dark red'. It is borrowed from Old French grenate from Latin granatus, from granum ('grain, seed'). This is possibly a reference to mela granatum or even pomum granatum ('pomegranate', Punica granatum), a plant whose fruits contain abundant and vivid red seed covers (arils), which are similar in shape, size, and color to some garnet crystals. Hessonite garnet is also named 'gomed' in Indian literature and is one of the 9 jewels in Vedic astrology that compose the Navaratna.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.94-1.98
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Schorlomite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Schorlomite Localities Map
See where Schorlomite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Schorlomite
Garnet species are found in every colour, with reddish shades most common. Blue garnets are the rarest and were first reported in the 1990s. Garnet species' light transmission properties can range from the gemstone-quality transparent specimens to the opaque varieties used for industrial purposes as abrasives. The mineral's luster is categorized as vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like).
Composition of Schorlomite
Garnets are nesosilicates having the general formula X3Y2(SiO4)3. The X site is usually occupied by divalent cations (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn) and the Y site by trivalent cations (Al, Fe, Cr) in an octahedral/tetrahedral framework with [SiO4] occupying the tetrahedra. Garnets are most often found in the dodecahedral crystal habit, but are also commonly found in the trapezohedron habit as well as the hexoctahedral habit. They crystallize in the cubic system, having three axes that are all of equal length and perpendicular to each other, but are never actually cubic because, despite being isometric, the {100} and {111} families of planes are depleted. Garnets do not have any cleavage planes, so when they fracture under stress, sharp, irregular (conchoidal) pieces are formed.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Black, brown-black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7 - 7.5
- Streak
- Dark brown
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca3Ti2(SiO4)(Fe3+O4)2
- Elements
- Ca, Fe, O, Si, Ti
Also Known As
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Schorlomite FAQs
How do I identify Schorlomite?
Schorlomite can be identified by its hardness of 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale, Black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Schorlomite?
Schorlomite typically appears in Black, brown-black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Schorlomite?
Schorlomite has a hardness of 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
What is the characteristics of schorlomite of Schorlomite?
Garnet species are found in every colour, with reddish shades most common. Blue garnets are the rarest and were first reported in the 1990s. Garnet species' light transmission properties can range from the gemstone-quality transparent specimens to the opaque varieties used for industrial purposes as abrasives. The mineral's luster is categorized as vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like).
What is the composition of schorlomite of Schorlomite?
Garnets are nesosilicates having the general formula X3Y2(SiO4)3. The X site is usually occupied by divalent cations (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn) and the Y site by trivalent cations (Al, Fe, Cr) in an octahedral/tetrahedral framework with [SiO4] occupying the tetrahedra. Garnets are most often found in the dodecahedral crystal habit, but are also commonly found in the trapezohedron habit as well as the hexoctahedral habit. They crystallize in the cubic system, having three axes that are all of equal length and perpendicular to each other, but are never actually cubic because, despite being isometric, the {100} and {111} families of planes are depleted. Garnets do not have any cleavage planes, so when they fracture under stress, sharp, irregular (conchoidal) pieces are formed.
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