A Review of Bohemian Garnet (Cr-bearing Pyrope) from the Czech Republic.

Bohemian garnet is Cr-bearing pyrope from what is today the Czech Republic that possesses a distinctive 'blood-red' colour. The origins of garnet mining in this part of Europe date back to the fifth century ce. The deposits are known in three non-contiguous areas in the Czech Republic (or Czechia): the Central Bohemian Highlands, the Podkrkonoší area and the Kolín region. During the past two decades, one garnet mine (at Vestřev) closed and one new mine (at Dolní Olešnice) opened, both in the Podkrkonoší region. An open-pit mine at Podsedice in the Central Bohemian Highlands is still productive. Considered the Czech national gemstone since the nineteenth century, Bohemian garnet has been used in a wide range of historical and modern jewellery, although it is rare in sizes above 5 mm (even as rough material). The stones show a characteristic inclusion assemblage, and the presence of Cr in this garnet can be detected by photoluminescence or absorption spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]