Guide
Spessartine specimens for sale
97 for sale · $30–$15,000 USD
717 in the gallery
Spessartine is a garnet mineral in the garnet group, typically forming deep orange to reddish-orange crystals with a glassy to adamantine lustre. It commonly occurs in well-formed dodecahedra or trapezohedra and is prized for its vibrant color and clarity in well-crystallized specimens. Notable localities include China and Pakistan, where high-quality crystals are sought after by collectors for their color and crystallographic perfection.
- Formula
- Mn2+3Al2(SiO4)3
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Garnet group; nesosilicate (garnet supergroup)
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- isometric
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7.5
- Specific gravity
- 4.12–4.2
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- red, orange, yellow, brown, pink
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- none
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- dodecahedral, equant, granular, massive
- Gem mineral
- Classic / historic
Buy Spessartine specimens
View all 97Where Spessartine is found
Top localities
- Wushan Spessartine Mine179 specimens
- Little Three Mine34 specimens
- Shengus29 specimens
- Tongbei23 specimens
- Navegadora claim16 specimens
- Shigar Valley13 specimens
- Broken Hill10 specimens
- Loliondo7 specimens
- Pack Rat Mine7 specimens
- Dassu5 specimens
Guides
All guides
Guide
Spessartine from Wushan Spessartine Mine, China
Wushan Spessartine Mine, Tongbei Yunxiao, Fujian - famed for saturated orange spessartine with smoky quartz, a landmark locality prized by collectors.Read guideGuide
Spessartine from Tongbei, China
Tongbei spessartine, China — orange to red-orange garnet crystals with smoky quartz and microcline; gemmy luster, elegant pockets, collector appeal.Read guide
Guide
Spessartine from Shigar District, Pakistan
Spessartine from Shigar District, Pakistan — deep red, manganese-rich garnets with almandine-spessartine chemistry, prized for color and locality.Read guide
Guide
Spessartine from Little Three Mine, USA
Spessartine from Little Three Mine, USA — gem-quality orange garnet on cleavelandite with tourmaline; prized for locality signature and Ramona pegmatite pocket…Read guideAbout Spessartine
Collectors value spessartine for its striking hue, size, and the ease with which its crystals can be distinguished from other garnets. The mineral can occur in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks, often associated with other garnets and manganese-bearing minerals. While color can range to yellow-orange in some specimens, the strongest material displays a vivid orange to red-orange tone with a bright, smooth surface that highlights its transparent to translucent nature. Specimens from diverse locales, including Tanzania, Brazil, and the USA, contribute a range of crystal forms and habit, broadening the appeal for cabinet displays and study.
