Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Faceting Information

Yttrium (YAG) is also known as various other names in the gemstone market today such as diamonite. This may also be used as a gemstone imitation.

Home Learning Center Jewelry and Lapidary Cutting Information for Specific GemstonesYttrium Aluminum Garnet Faceting Information

By Jeff R. Graham

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG)

Color: Wide range of colors available.
Moh's Hardness: 8.5
Refractive Index: 1.833
Critical Angle: 33.12°
Specific Gravity: 4.55
Cleavage: Imperfect
Fracture: Conchoidal
Dispersion: .028
Heat Sensitivity: Slight
Birefringence (double refraction): None
Crystal Structure: Isometric

Treatments: None

What I prefer to polishing with: Tin lap with Alumina oxide. Zinc laps with 8,000 pre-polish and 50,000 polish.

Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes like Garnet. It is quite pretty especially in clear and light colors.

Design Links: 4-Way Stop - This is great for saturated rough if you have a piece that will work in the shape.
Princess - Nice in about any material
Brilliant Pear - Good in any color

Jeff R. Graham

The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.

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