Andradite

: It rates 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale , making it suitable for jewelry like pendants and earrings, though rings may require protective settings.

Andradite is a calcium-iron silicate mineral ( ) and one of the rarest species in the garnet group. It is celebrated for its exceptional optical properties, boasting a refractive index (1.88–1.91) and dispersion—often called "fire"—that can exceed even that of a diamond. Key Varieties andradite

: The most prized variety, ranging from vivid emerald-green to olive. It is famous for "horsetail" inclusions (radiating asbestos fibers) that can actually increase its value. : It rates 6