Uvarovite is a green-colored garnet that occurs as druses of tiny crystals. It is named after a Russian noble, Count Sergei Uvarov (1765-1855), who was president of the St. Petersburg Academy and a mineral collector. This gemstone is among the rarest of the garnet species. The characteristic rich, dark green color is the result of chromium in its composition.
Class: silicates (silicates with isolated silica units)
Crystal system: cubic
Composition: calcium chromium silicate
Habit: dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals
Refractive index: 1.87
Birefringence: none
Dispersion: not applicable
Specific gravity: 3.77
Hardness: 7.5
Cleavage: none
Fracture: conchoidal
Luster: vitreous
Notable locations: Russia, California, South Africa, Finland, Burma (Myanmar)
Color: green
The Ural Mountains of Russia remain the best source of uvarovite, and although good secondary sources include Finland, South Africa, and California, Russia produces the finest, most beautiful gems. Finnish gems often appear as large individuals or crystal clusters, and
are sought after by collectors. The best Finnish gems are found in a copper mine in Outokumpu.
Properties and characteristics: The crystals are usually opaque, and high- quality crystals resemble the best emeralds. Mineral specimens of uvarovite are prized by collectors because of their spectacular color and brilliance. One of the calcium-rich members of the garnet group, uvarovite forms when certain limestones that are rich in silica metamorphose. It is often found alongside chromite and serpentine. Uvarovite also occurs in the bright green Burmese rock maw-sit-sit. Chromian grossular, tsavorite, and demantoid (andradite) are sometimes mistaken for (or misrepresented as) uvarovite.
Cutting, setting, and valuing: This exquisite green mineral occurs as small, opaque crystals that occasionally have a transparent portion that is large enough for cutting a faceted gem. Many contemporary trade shows offer the crusts of small crystals on matrix, which has produced a new interest in the stone. Many modern designers are using the drusy material for unusual jewelry. A faceted uvarovite over one carat is extremely rare.
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