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Intermediate Species

The possible admixtures among the garnet group species give rise to the following intermediate species which are known in the trade as Rhodolite, Malaya, Pyrandine, Pyralspite, etc. As there are varying percentages of isomorphous replacements, their properties show considerable variations.

Pyrope - Almandine Garnet (Rhodolite): Color is basically purplish red, brownish red and violet-red, whose properties are as follows:

1. Refractive Index 1.75 - 1.78
2. Specific Gravity 3.80 - 3.95
3. Spectrum Main diagnostic strong bands at 505nm, 527nm and 575nm
4. Magnification Silk (intersecting rutile needles at 70° / 110°), crystalline inclusions (apatite, zircon, spinel, etc.), fluid inclusions

Pyralspite with Grossular Garnet (Malaya): Color is basically orange-brown-red and the properties are as follows:

1. Refractive Index 1.76 - 1.81
2. Specific Gravity 3.70 - 4.25
3. Spectrum Bands may be seen at 505nm, 527nm and 575nm, along with lines of Mn at 432nm and 412nm.
4. Magnification Liquid inclusions, rounded crystals, etc.

Pyrope - Spessartite Garnet (Color Changing): The color is bluish green in daylight and purplish red in lamplight. Some exhibit a purplish blue to purplish red color change.

1. Refractive Index 1.75 - 1.81
2. Specific Gravity 3.60 - 4.10
3. Spectrum Bands may be seen at 505nm and 575nm, along with lines at 485nm, 465nm and 435nm. A cutoff is seen at 435nm.
4. Magnification Liquid fingerprints, 3 directional long needles, crystals, etc.

Grossular - Andradite Garnet (Grandite): The color is basically greenish yellow and brownish green.

1. Refractive Index 1.75 - 1.81
2. Specific Gravity 3.60 - 3.70
3. Spectrum Bands may be seen at 440nm and 445nm along with lines at 495nm and 600nm.
4. Magnification Highly reflecting fingerprints, growth zoning, crystals, etc.

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In Germany, the garland of ambers is hung around the necks of the infants, so that their teeth might come out without much trouble.

In Turkey, people fix a piece of amber in the hubble-bubble, dogged by an age old belief that the presence of the jewel would destroy all the germs and no disease would spread, even after many have dragged their puffs from it.

In Greece, people think if wine is poured into the cups made of amethyst, one does not get drunk after drinking that.

In Rome, a talisman having coral pieces is considered very auspicious to quell the bad spells of evil look. The Romans were in the habit of hanging chains made of ancient coral pieces from the cradle of the infants to protect them from evil effects.

In China, people wear rings studded with tiny conch or oyster shells as they believe it cures all aches such as stomach ache, worms and like.

In India, pendants made of silver and studded with pearls are hung from the necks of the children to save them from any bad effects.

Greeks still believe, if women wear blue sapphires then no sense of immorality would pollute their mind nor can any fear of the supernatural can trouble them.

The Pope Innocent III had circulated an order asking all the priests wear blue sapphire, so that morality can be strengthened.

It is said about turquoise, that when the stone changes its color into yellow, it actually signals bad times to the person who wears it.

It is believed that a turquoise gifted to a friend or a lover turns his or her life into one of happiness and good luck.

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