Apatite inclusions in "dragon garnet"

The so-called “dragon garnet” is a pyrope garnet, the discovery of which has been reported in Africa (Madagascar and Tanzania, or unconfirmed origins). These specimens have a delicate violet-pink color in daylight and, although weak, a slight change in color can be seen in daylight when observed with different types of non-standardized LED lighting, changing to an orange-pink. These garnets show strong red fluorescence when exposed to long-wave UV light, suggesting the presence of chromium. The spectroscopy study confirms its presence, as well as that of manganese, iron and vanadium, which give it its attractive color. Apart from the typical silky needle-shaped liquid inclusions, its blue apatite inclusions (seen in the picture) are striking.