UVAROVITE, South Canyon District (Doña Ana County) NEW MEXICO USA (small cabinet)

Uvarovite is a chromium-rich member of the garnet group, represented by the chemical formula Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3. It was first identified in 1832 by Germain Henri Hess, who named it in honor of Count Sergei Uvarov, a Russian statesman and mineral enthusiast. This mineral is categorized within the ugrandite group, which includes other calcium-containing garnets such as andradite and grossular.

Recognized as the rarest among the commonly known garnets, uvarovite is distinguished by its unique emerald-green hue, making it the only consistently green garnet species. It typically forms well-defined, fine-sized crystals.