uvarovitehydrogarnet

Uvarovite is a mineral in the garnet group. It is a calcium chromium garnet with the chemical formula Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3. It is the only common garnet species where the trivalent cation is chromium. Uvarovite is typically found as small, well-formed hexagonal crystals, often exhibiting a bright emerald green color. It is relatively rare compared to other garnet species. The hardness of uvarovite is typically 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, and it has a vitreous luster. It is an idiochromatic mineral, meaning its color is due to the essential element chromium, not trace impurities. Uvarovite is often found in serpentinite rocks, chromite deposits, and metamorphic rocks. It can also occur as a secondary mineral in some pegmatites. Notable occurrences include those in the Ural Mountains of Russia, from which it gets its name, and in Canada, Finland, and South Africa. Due to its attractive color and crystal form, uvarovite is sometimes sought after by collectors, though it is not typically used as a gemstone due to its small crystal size and relative rarity. It is also of interest to mineralogists for its unique chemical composition within the garnet family.