Proteus Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Proteus Value
The International Gem Society (IGS) has a list of businesses offering gemstone appraisal services.
Proteus Information
| Data | Value |
| Name | Proteus |
| Is a Variety of | Garnet |
| Colors | Dark red with metallic, dark gray luster in reflected light. |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Hardness | 6.5-7.5 |
| Cleavage | None |
In Greek mythology, Proteus was a sea god, capable of changing his shape. It has become a noun for one who easily changes their appearance or principles.
Proteus are the only treated garnets. All the others resist change, but a few almandine/pyropes from the US will change into Proteus. The treatment brings a thin layer of metals to the surface.
This causes it to have a dual appearance. In reflected light, they have a dark gray, metallic luster, much like hematite. In transmitted light, the dark red of the garnet shows through.
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