MELANITE, a black variety of andradite garnet

MELANITE, the black variety of andradite garnet

VARIETY INFORMATION:

VARIETY OF: Andradite garnet, Ca3 Fe2 Si3 O12.
USES: Gemstone.
COLOR: various shades of black.
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.89
HARDNESS: 6.5 - 7
CLEAVAGE: none
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: isometric
SPECIMENS

Melanite is one of the gem varieties of the garnet mineral, andradite. Its black color combined with the "garnet" shape is generally sufficient to identify melanite. Crystals are typically opaque, although some specimens with internal fractures will show highlights indicating a degree of translucence. Sometimes these highlights will be green or golden. The color is due to a high titanium content, and occasionally melanite is referred to as "titanian andradite".