Topazolite
Variety Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3
About it
Yellow andradite garnet named for its topaz-like colour, usually in small, sharp crystals. Classic specimens come from the Italian Alps, such as Val Malenco.
- Type
- Variety
- Group
- Andradite variety (garnet)
- Formula
- Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5–7
- Specific gravity
- 3.8–3.9
- Streak
- white
- Lustre
- adamantine (diamond-like), vitreous (glassy)
- Crystal system
- Isometric (cubic)
- Colours
- yellow, honey, greenish yellow
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Cleavage and fracture
- none; conchoidal to uneven fracture
Typical values: real specimens vary. For more, see mindat.org.