TOPAZOLITE, the yellow variety of andradite garnet

VARIETY INFORMATION:

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

Topazolite is one of the gem varieties of the garnet mineral, andradite. It's golden yellow color is similar to golden topaz, yet the "garnet" shaped crystals are distinctive. Crystals are typically transparent with a vitreous luster. Some crystals have a greenish-yellow color. While grossular garnet may also be yellow, that is very rare, and grossular is more likely to have an orange tint.