General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Ca3Al2(SiO4)3
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 450.45 gm)
Calcium 26.69 % Ca
Aluminum 11.98 % Al
Silicon 18.71 % Si
Oxygen 42.62 % O
Empirical Formula:
Ca3Al2(SiO4)3
Environment:
Contact metasomatic deposits.
IMA Status:
Accepted IMA 1980
Locality:
Isle of Mull, Scotland.
Name Origin:
Grossular is from the Latin grossularia meaning "gooseberry." Hessonite is from the Greek hesson, meaning "slight" in reference to the smaller specific gravity.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[???] Distinct
Color:
brown, colorless, green, gray, or yellow.
Density:
3.42 - 3.72, Average = 3.57
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to subtranslucent
Habits:
Massive - Granular - Common texture observed in granite and other igneous rock., Euhedral Crystals - Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form., Crystalline - Fine - O ccurs as well-formed fine sized crystals
Hardness:
6.5-7.5
Luminescence:
Non-fluorescent.
Luster:
Vitreous - Resinous
Streak:
brownish white
More details...