On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Pyrope
Also known asChrome Pyrope · Pyrope Garnet
A garnet-group mineral species with magnesium and aluminium end-members; its mixed variety with almandine is called rhodolite. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Pyrope forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify PyropeHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Treatments and enhancements of PyropeThe enhancements and treatments the GB/T and JJA/AGL tables list
- Caring for and wearing PyropeCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them
- Hardness, density and refractive index of PyropeEach value with its source and check date
- Pyrope in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Listing and disclosing PyropeThe listing name to use
- Standard clauses that define PyropeWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Pyrope is the magnesium-bearing aluminium garnet species, one of the five commercially important garnet species. It belongs to the Al-silicate series with almandine and spessartine; sharing essentially the same structure but differing in composition, they commonly form solid solutions. The almandine–pyrope–spessartine series is generated at high pressure, deep within the earth, and because garnet tolerates a broad span of temperature and pressure it serves as a valuable marker of how metamorphic conditions and tectonic processes evolve. A single gem is often a mixture of two or more species; pyrope mixed with almandine gives the familiar pyrope-almandine (rhodolite) garnet.
Scope: Used to describe the occurrence and solid-solution properties of pyrope as a garnet end-member mineral species; the source does not give formation temperatures, pressures or ages for specific localities.
Sources GIA Garnet Description · G&G Summer 2025 · G&G Fall 2016
Where it forms
Deep high-pressure settings: the almandine-pyrope-spessartine solid solution forms at high pressure deep in the earth.
Sources G&G Summer 2025
Metamorphic rocks: garnet tolerates a broad span of temperature and pressure and thus signals the evolution of metamorphic conditions and tectonic processes.
Sources G&G Summer 2025
How it forms, step by step
Under high pressure (often accompanying metamorphism), garnet crystals nucleate and grow in suitably composed rocks.
Mg2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ substitute for one another in the lattice, forming pyrope-almandine-spessartine solid solutions.
As temperature-pressure conditions evolve, the pyrope proportion changes, recording the metamorphic and tectonic history.
Link to appearance
Magnesium-rich pyrope trends red to purplish-red; in pyrope-almandine (rhodolite) the colour is governed by Fe and minor Mn absorption bands.
Sources GIA Garnet Description · G&G Fall 2016
Timescale
The sources state no absolute age or duration for garnet formation.
Sources GIA Garnet Description · G&G Summer 2025 · G&G Fall 2016
Related base materials
- Garnet group: mineral-group member | Pyrope is the Mg2+-dominant aluminous end-member mineral species, and commonly forms solid solutions with almandine/spessartine
Supporting findings
The almandine-pyrope-spessartine solid-solution series forms at high pressure deep in the earth.
Evidence grade AScope: For the Al-garnet star series; excludes the calcium garnets.
Garnet tolerates a broad span of temperature and pressure, so it serves as a valuable marker of how metamorphic conditions evolve and of the tectonic processes beneath.
Evidence grade AScope: A general metamorphic-petrology statement, not pyrope-specific.
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Africa
- Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africafrom the diamond mines
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Umba River and Pare Mountains, Tanzania
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Měrunice, Bohemia, Czechiaprimary source of red pyrope in Victorian times
Sources GIA Birthstones · Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- Buell Park, Apache County, Arizona, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Oceania
- Anakie, Queensland, Australia
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Other research findings
Pyrope is one of the five commercially important garnet species.
Evidence grade AScope: Defines it as one of the commercial garnet species; no deposit detail.
Sources GIA Garnet Description
Pyrope-bearing stones are classified by end-member proportions, e.g. pyrope-almandine garnet, commonly called rhodolite.
Evidence grade AScope: Based on Mozambique samples; proportions vary by locality.
Sources G&G Fall 2016
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- No absolute age, P-T or deposit-specific data for pyrope formation.
- The high-pressure statement comes from a star-garnet review covering the whole series, not a single locality.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Pyrope
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Pyrope” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.188 “Pyrope”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments recorded for this material: Heated / Heat-treated (via parent material), Filled / Fracture-filled (via parent material)
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Pyrope is Pyrope garnet; use "Pyrope" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Pyrope" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
The item-by-item care advice that the GIA Care and Cleaning Guide gives for the whole class, and so for Pyrope, is set out in full under care on the Garnet entry.
Care
Pyrope — care (heat): Some stones are prone to damage due to thermal shock. Do not expose them to extreme temperature changes.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code e
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Pyrope, p.55; §6.2 e (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Pyrope — care (special care): normal care, but avoid sudden temperature change.
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.X, Gemstone Information Chart, Garnet Pyrope N, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
HeatOn heat and thermal shock for Pyrope, the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) Official Gemstone Book (2022) states that Pyrope is sensitive to sudden temperature changes; the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition, states for untreated Pyrope that its special care is normal care, but sudden temperature changes should be avoided. CleaningThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA) care and cleaning guide is given for the whole class and so also applies to Pyrope; its point-by-point care advice is listed in the care section of the Garnet entry.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Heat and thermal shock | care (heat) |
Care entries by treatment state
The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.
any treatment state
- care (heat) §6.2 e
untreated
Treatments and identification leads
One row per treatment, with three standards side by side: how often it occurs and how stable it is (CIBJO), its category in GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1 (this site's paraphrase) and how the JJA/AGL 2025 table lists it. Each CIBJO value links to its entry under “Testing and market”, where the wording and source are given in full.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Treatment | Market frequency (CIBJO) | Stability (CIBJO) | GB/T 16552 category | JJA/AGL listing | Identification leads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating | — | — | Optimization | — | — |
| Filling | — | — | Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1 | — | — |
“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1 (row for Garnet); JJA/AGL 2025
Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):
- GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
- CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15
What this table covers
What this page can give
- Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
- Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Besides Pyrope, the name register records "Chrome Pyrope" and "Pyrope Garnet", for which no restriction on use as a name is recorded (CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8 “Chrome Pyrope”; JJA/AGL Gemstone Nomenclature 2025 p.10); one further name in a non-Latin script is listed in the name register below (1 with no restriction recorded on use as a name).
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name for Pyrope comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1, the suggested listing name is Pyrope, and the mineralogical name is written Pyrope garnet. Names in four languagesThe four-language names cover Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Pyrope) and Japanese. The GSJ (Japan) wording for the entry's own Japanese name is not yet verified by this site. Institution usageOn authority wording, CIBJO has Pyrope on record, from the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024; the FTC text on file has no wording for Pyrope (checked); GIA and Gem-A are not yet checked; bodies without a record show the material's own English name, which does not represent their position. The name register also has the English narrower name (variety/subtype) Chrome Pyrope, based on CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8, and the English synonym Pyrope Garnet, based on the JJA/AGL gem name handbook 2025; both Chrome Pyrope and Pyrope Garnet are registered as matched automatically. Candidate search termsA Japanese transliteration of “pyrope garnet” is used only as a candidate search term.
Name register
Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Name | Type | Matching | Use as a name | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no restriction recorded (3) | ||||
| Chrome PyropeEnglish | narrower name (variety or subtype) | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8 “Chrome Pyrope” |
| Pyrope GarnetEnglish | synonym | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | JJA/AGL Gemstone Nomenclature 2025 p.10 |
| パイロープ・ガーネットJapanese | transliteration | search candidate only | no restriction recorded | JJA/AGL Gemstone Nomenclature 2025 p.10 |
How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- パイロープ (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- Chinese formal name
- 镁铝榴石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Pyrope garnet
- Trade names and synonyms
- Chrome Pyrope (narrower name (variety or subtype)) · Pyrope Garnet (synonym)
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 镁铝榴石
- 繁體中文
- 鎂鋁榴石
- English
- Pyrope
- 日本語
- パイロープ
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Garnet-group minerals and gem varieties
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments listed by standards
GB/T Table B.1In GB/T 16552—2017 Annex B, Table B.1, Pyrope is assigned the Garnet row: heat treatment is listed as an enhancement, and filling is handled by grade; the full row, with the effect column, is on the Garnet page. The notes to Table B.1 and the definitions of the filling grades are on the Gem treatments page. JJA/AGL designationsThe main gemstone nomenclature table in the November 2025 revised edition of the JJA/AGL (Japan) definitions and nomenclature of gemstones and ornamental materials gives the species name of Pyrope Garnet as pyrope, in colourless and red (chromium), and the table includes a no-treatment category.
GB/T 16552-2017, Annex B, Table B.1
Under the “Garnet” row of Table B.1: Heating Optimization; Filling Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Garnet page.
What Table B.1 is, and how the “see 5.4.1” grades are defined: see the GB/T 16552: optimization vs treatment page.
JJA/AGL (Japan) table of principal gem names, 2025
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Gem name | Species | Colour | Listed in the table | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrope Garnet | Pyrope | colourless | an untreated tier is listed | |
| Pyrope Garnet | Pyrope | red (chromium) | an untreated tier is listed |
JJA/AGL definitions and nomenclature (2025 revision), table of principal gem names, p.10
How to read the JJA/AGL table: see the Gem treatments page.
What it is and how it's identified
The composition (phase) recorded for Pyrope is pyrope (garnet group). Under the clause for garnet (the whole mineral group): crystalline, cubic, with rhombic dodecahedral or trapezohedral (icositetrahedral) crystals or combinations of both; Mohs hardness 7–8; cleavage none; optic character isotropic, with anomalous extinction common; birefringence none. The density of Pyrope is 3.62–3.87 g/cm³, derived from the cited clause value 3.78 with tolerance +0.09/−0.16; for garnet (the whole mineral group) there is also a density of 3.5–4.3 g/cm³, which under this site's general rule is the overall value, as the clause has finer ranges. The refractive index of Pyrope is 1.714–1.742, and the cited clause also gives a common value of 1.740. Transparency is transparent to translucent; under the clause for garnet (the whole mineral group), lustre when untreated is vitreous to subadamantine. The UV-visible spectrum shows a broad absorption band at 564nm and an absorption peak at 505nm; iron-bearing stones may show absorption peaks at 440nm and 445nm; fine Pyrope may show chromium absorption (red region).
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Chemical composition, luminescence, UV-visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, magnification: these whole-class features are given in the cited clause for garnet (the whole mineral group), so they are not repeated on the Pyrope page; see the material facts on the Garnet entry.
Items below that name the class they cover give the cited clause’s value for that whole class, not a measurement of Pyrope (how to read class-level values).
Definition
Pyrope — nomenclature status: IMA status G: grandfathered (described before the IMA existed, and generally regarded as a valid species).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Pyrope — composition (phase): pyrope (garnet group)
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Pyrope — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — structure (crystal system): cubic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — structure (crystal habit): rhombic dodecahedra, tetragonal trisoctahedra, or crystals combining the two forms.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Durability
Pyrope — Mohs hardness: 7–8
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — cleavage: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Physical properties
Pyrope — density: 3.62–3.87 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.78, with a stated tolerance of +0.09 / -0.16. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 Density · Pyrope (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — density: 3.5–4.3 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Optical
Pyrope — optic character: isotropic, commonly with anomalous extinction
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — refractive index: 1.714–1.742
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
After this range the clause we cite adds that it is commonly 1.740.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 Refractive index · Pyrope (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — birefringence: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — transparency: transparent to translucent.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Pyrope — pleochroism: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — spectrum (UV-visible): 564 nm broad absorption band; 505 nm absorption peak; iron-bearing ones: may have 440 nm absorption peak; may have 445 nm absorption peak; fine pyrope: may have chromium absorption (red region).
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 UV-visible spectrum (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — optical effect (asterism): seen; rare; generally a four-pointed star; occasionally a six-rayed star (almandine).
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — optical effect (colour change): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
body colour2 sources compared
Pyrope — body colour: medium to dark; orange-red, red
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Ruby, Titanite / Sphene, Sphalerite and other variety clauses also name red or a reddish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 Colour · Pyrope (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Pyrope — body colour: Medium to dark slightly purplish red to red, to dark reddish orange.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Almandine, Ruby, Red Beryl and other entries also name red or a reddish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
How the sources relate
- GB/T 16553—2017 and CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Both give a medium to dark red and an orange-leaning red (GB/T 16553—2017 says orange-red, the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book dark reddish orange). The CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book also lists a slightly purplish red.
- CIBJO definitions
- asterism, colour change
Quality factors
Pyrope — quality factor (lustre): vitreous to subadamantine
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- garnet (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.15 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.728 / 3.9; Closest values: 1Tsavorite 1.74 / 3.9, 2Grossular 1.745 / 3.9, 3Rhodolite 1.755 / 3.9, 4Alexandrite 1.749 / 3.73, 5Burma Ruby 1.768 / 4
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
The CIBJO laboratory protocol covers identification of Pyrope under Garnet; see the identification part of the Garnet entry, and the list of required tests is on the laboratory testing page. The CIBJO official Gemstone Book 2022 records that no synthetic counterpart of Pyrope is commercially available.
The CIBJO laboratory protocol covers Pyrope under “Garnet” (§6.1.38): see identification on the Garnet entry; the required tests are listed on the CIBJO laboratory protocol table for Garnet.
How far testing can go
Pyrope — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Pyrope is recorded in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the entry name Pyrope, defined as transparent to translucent, in medium to dark tones ranging from slightly purplish red through red to dark reddish orange; cross-check result: defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. Pyrope's entry in the IMA list of minerals is likewise named Pyrope, with the registered formula Mg3Al2(SiO4)3; it was verified by cross-checking against the RRUFF/IMA list of minerals main table, on the basis of public-domain data.
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| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrope | 7.2.1.188 | Medium to dark slightly purplish red to red, to dark reddish orange; transparent to translucent. Colour shift or change may occur | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
| Pyrope | IMA Mineral List entry | Pyrope Mg3Al2(SiO4)3 G 1803 | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Garnet-group minerals and gem varieties | Live |
| Treatments recorded for this material | Heated / Heat-treated (via parent material), Filled / Fracture-filled (via parent material) | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Pyrope entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.