The attractive, bright green color of uvarovite is due to the presence of chromium. The crystals are very fragile, with subconchoidal to uneven fracture.

Uvarovite occurs in serpentine rocks. The best clear crystals are found in the Urals in Russia, lining cavities or rock fissures. Other sources are Finland, Turkey, and Italy.

Chemical Composition: 

Calcium Chromium Silicate - Ca₃Cr₂(SiO₄)₃

Colors / Varieties: 

Green, yellow, yellowish green

Hardness: 

7.5

Specific Gravity: 

3.71 - 3.80

Refractive Index / Birefringence: 

1.780 - 1.870

Dispersion: 

0.027

Magnification: 

Crystalline inclusions

U.V. Fluorescence: 

Inert

Spectrum: 

Chromium, trace elements of iron, titanium

Cause of Color: 

Not characteristic

Simulants (with separation tests): 

Demantoid (inclusions, spectrum), Natural Zircon (optic character, doubling, spectrum), Tourmaline (optic character, pleochroism, R.I., S.G.), Synthetic Cubic Zirconia (lustre, S.G.), Y.A.G. (S.G.), G.G.G. (S.G.), etc.

Sources: 

Russia (Ural Mountains), Finland, South Africa, Canada, Himalayas.

Cuts & Uses: 

Facetted, cabochon, beads, carvings, etc.