Pyrope Garnet
Last updated: April 2026
Known for its fiery red color, pyrope is a member of the garnet group.
Pyrope Garnet has a specific gravity of 3.78 and a refractive index of 1.730–1.760, with a Mohs hardness of 7.0–7.5. It is singly refractive.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.730–1.760
SG Range3.62–3.87
SG Typical3.78
Hardness (Mohs)7–7.5
Crystal SystemCubic
Optic CharacterSR (Singly Refractive)
Dispersion0.022
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterVariable
PleochroismNone
ColorsRed Pink
SpeciesGarnet
VarietyPyrope
Related: Garnet Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Blood-red color
- Often very clean
- Lower RI than other red garnets
Common Simulants
- Almandine garnet: Very similar; distinguish by RI (almandine ~1.790 vs pyrope ~1.746) and absorption spectrum (almandine shows iron bands).
- Ruby: Ruby: doubly refractive uniaxial negative; strong red fluorescence; Chelsea filter strongly red; RI 1.762–1.778.
- Red Spinel: Spinel: isotropic like garnet but RI ~1.718 vs pyrope ~1.746; different absorption spectrum.
- Red Glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles or swirl marks under loupe; conchoidal fracture; SG varies but no garnet inclusions.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Almandine Garnet, Ruby, Spinel, Glass.
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$20
Natural — high ($/ct)$200
NotePer carat; raspberry red to deep crimson; color-change pyrope (Malaya/color-change) considerably higher
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Related Comparisons
Measurement Guides
Identifying a pyrope garnet? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try GemID Free →Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Pyrope Garnet is one of the 130 species in GemID’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.
Practice exams →