Gadolinium gallium (Gd3Ga5O12)-Garnet

Characteristic

Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (GGG, Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂) is a synthetic crystalline material of the garnet group, with good mechanical, thermal, and optical properties. It is typically colorless. It has a cubic lattice, a density of 7.08 g/cm3 and its Mohs hardness is variously noted as 6.5 and 7.5. Its crystals are produced with the Czochralski method. During production, various dopants can be added for colour modification. The material is also used in fabrication of various optical components and as a substrate material for magneto–optical films (magnetic bubble memory). It also finds use in jewelry as a diamond simulant. GGG can also be used as a seed substrate for the growth of other garnets such as YIG.

Chemical formula：Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂

Molar mass：1014.37000 g/mol

Density：7.08 g/mL at 25ºC(lit.)

Appearance：transparent, colorless to light brown or yellow. May also be orange or blue

Specific gravity：7.05 (+.04, -.10)

Polish luster：vitreous to subadamantine

Optical properties：Single refractive

Refractive index：1.970 (+.060)

Dispersion：0.045

Ultraviolet fluorescence：moderate to strong pinkish orange in shortwave

Application

The material is also used in fabrication of various optical components and as a substrate material for magneto–optical films (magnetic bubble memory).It also finds use in jewelry as a diamond simulant. GGG can also be used as a seed substrate for the growth of other garnets such as YIG.