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Uvarovite is a member of the garnet group, specifically the ugrandite series (uvarovite-grossular-andradite). It is distinguished by its brilliant emerald-green color, which is caused by the presence of chromium in its crystal structure. It typically forms as small, well-formed dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals, often as drusy coatings on host rock. It is known for its high luster and excellent transparency when in crystal form. It is one of the rarer garnet species.
How to Identify
- Color
- Vibrant emerald-green to dark green. The color is diagnostic for uvarovite among garnets.
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to adamantine (diamond-like) when well-crystallized.
- Texture
- Typically forms as small, distinct crystals, often as a druzy coating or embedded in a matrix. Individual crystals are usually euhedral.
- Crystal Form
- Cubic system, commonly forming dodecahedra or trapezohedra, or combinations thereof. Crystals are typically small, often less than a few millimeters.
- Cleavage
- None. Garnets are known for their lack of cleavage.
- Geological Environment
- Found in chromium-rich metamorphic rocks, particularly serpentinites, chromitites, and altered ultramafic rocks. Also occurs in skarns and hydrothermal veins associated with these environments.
Key Facts
- Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Specific Gravity: 3.41 - 3.85 (typically around 3.77)
- Crystal System: Cubic
- Color: Emerald-green to dark green
- Luster: Vitreous to adamantine
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
- Cleavage: None
- Composition: Calcium chromium silicate
Quick Check
- Color: Emerald-green
- Luster: Vitreous to adamantine
- Streak: White
Physical Characteristics
- Crystal Habit: Typically dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals, often forming drusy coatings or embedded grains. Crystals are usually small, rarely exceeding a few millimeters.
- Cleavage Type: Absent (no cleavage)
- Fracture Type: Conchoidal to uneven
- Tenacity: Brittle
- Luster Type: Vitreous to adamantine
Formation
Uvarovite is a calcium-chromium garnet that forms primarily in chromium-rich metamorphic rocks, such as serpentinites and chromitites, often associated with altered ultramafic rocks. It can also occur in skarns and hydrothermal veins where chromium is present. Its formation requires the presence of calcium, chromium, and silicon under specific pressure and temperature conditions typical of regional or contact metamorphism.
Usage
Uvarovite is primarily a collector's mineral due to its rarity and vibrant green color. Small, well-formed crystals are highly prized. It has limited industrial use due to its scarcity, though like other garnets, it possesses properties (hardness) that could theoretically make it suitable for abrasives, but its rarity precludes this. It is occasionally used in high-end jewelry, particularly as small druzy specimens or faceted stones, though faceted uvarovite is exceedingly rare.
Age Distribution
Uvarovite formation is not tied to a specific geological age but rather to specific geological processes involving chromium-rich environments, which can occur across various geological eras.
Where to Find
Saranovskoye Mine, Perm Krai, Ural Mountains, Russia
Historically the most significant locality, known for producing some of the finest uvarovite specimens, often as brilliant green druzy coatings on chromite.
Outokumpu, North Karelia, Finland
Another classic locality, producing good quality uvarovite crystals in association with chromite and other metamorphic minerals.
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources), Quebec, Canada
Known for producing uvarovite in serpentinite, often associated with grossular garnet and chromite.
Bushveld Complex, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Occurrences in chromitite layers within this large igneous complex.
Turkey
Various localities, particularly in chromite deposits.
Norway
Occurrences in metamorphic rocks.
Finding Tips
Geological Context
Focus your search in areas known for chromium-rich metamorphic rocks, such as serpentinites, chromitites, and altered ultramafic complexes. Look for contact zones where these rocks have undergone metamorphism.
Associated Minerals
Uvarovite is often found in association with chromite, diopside, tremolite, serpentine minerals, and sometimes other garnets like grossular. Identifying these associated minerals can indicate a favorable environment.
Visual Identification
Look for small, sparkling emerald-green crystals, often forming a druzy crust on a darker matrix (typically chromite). The color is highly distinctive.
Microscope/Loupe
Due to the typically small size of uvarovite crystals, a hand lens (10x) or a microscope is often necessary to appreciate their form and color fully.
Safety Precautions
When collecting in serpentinite or altered ultramafic environments, be aware that asbestos minerals (e.g., chrysotile, tremolite, actinolite) can be present. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator, eye protection, and gloves, and avoid disturbing friable material. Do not dry-brush specimens from such environments. Uvarovite itself is not hazardous, but its host rock may contain hazardous minerals.
Similar Rocks
Grossular Garnet
Ca3Al2(SiO4)3
Also known as: Grossular
Andradite Garnet
Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3
Also known as: Andradite
Diopside
CaMgSi2O6
Also known as: Chromian Diopside
Emerald
Be3Al2(SiO3)6
Also known as: Beryl (chromium-rich)
Scientific Classification
- Mineral Class
- Silicates
- Group
- Garnet Group (Ugrandite Series)
- Crystal System
- Cubic
- Chemical Formula
- Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3
- Composition
- Calcium aluminum silicate with chromium substituting for aluminum. End-member formula is Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3, but solid solution with grossular (Ca3Al2(SiO4)3) is common.
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