cubic Simulant diamond simulant

GGG (Gadolinium Gallium Garnet) (Faceted)

Formula Gd3Ga5O12

Crystal Structure

CDL Notation

 #! Species: GGG (Gadolinium Gallium Garnet)
#! System: Cubic (m3m)
#! Habit: Garnet-type dodecahedron with trapezohedron
cubic[m3m]:{110}@1.0 + {211}@0.6

Crystal System cubic

Point Group m3m

Crystal Forms (2)

{110} {211}

Quick Facts

Hardness

6.5

Specific Gravity

7.05

Refractive Index

2.02

Optical Character

Isotropic

Physical Properties

Crystal System: cubic
Hardness (Mohs): 6.5
Specific Gravity: 7.05
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Lustre: Adamantine

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 2.02
Birefringence: 0
Optical Character: Isotropic
Dispersion: 0.045
Fluorescence: Weak orange

Origin & Identification

Origin: Simulant
Growth Method: Czochralski
First Produced: 1973
Diagnostic Features: Very high SG (7.05), easily distinguished by heft test, lower hardness (6.5), thermal probe reads non-diamond, rarely seen in modern trade (superseded by CZ)