Pyrope is one of the six fundamental subspecies of garnet and, along with almandine, one of only two that display the red coloration with which the gem is traditionally associated. This hue usually arises from the presence of iron impurities within pyrope’s internal crystal structure, but the finest specimens may also contain trace amounts of chromium. While this means that “pure” pyrope would, theoretically speaking, be colorless, such material has yet to be encountered in nature.

The species name is derived from the Greek for “fire eyed”, puropos, which is obviously in reference to its striking red color. However, pyrope garnets may also be sold under a variety of ruby-related misnomers, including “American ruby”, “Arizona ruby”, Australian ruby”, “Black Hills ruby”, “Bohemian ruby”, “California ruby”, “Cape ruby”, “Colorado ruby”, “Elie ruby” and “Rocky Mountain ruby”.