Spessartine Garnet
Spessartine is the manganese-rich member of the garnet group, producing the most vibrant orange to orange-red colors in gemology. Fine spessartine rivals padparadscha sapphire in beauty. Virginia's Rutherford Mine was a classic spessartine locality; California's Little Three Mine produced exceptional specimens. The mandarin spessartines from Nigeria revolutionized the orange gem market in the 1990s.
Physical Properties
Chemical Formula
Mn₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
Hardness (Mohs)
7–7.5
Color
Orange, orange-red, mandarin orange, red-orange
Luster
Vitreous
Crystal System
Cubic (isometric)
Streak
White
Cleavage
Imperfect dodecahedral
Specific Gravity
4.12–4.32
🔍 Field Identification Tips
Orange to orange-red color distinguishes spessartine from other garnets (almandine = red, pyrope = dark red, tsavorite = green). Dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals. Hardness 7–7.5. No cleavage. Found in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic schists with manganese-rich chemistry.
Varieties & Forms
📍 Where to Find Spessartine Garnet in the US
Uses & Applications
Jewelry (brilliant faceted stones), collectors specimens. Vivid orange color is among the most sought in colored gems.
💰 Collector Value Guide
Common rough: $5–$50. Faceted orange spessartine: $50–$500/ct. Top mandarin orange gems: $500–$5,000/ct.
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