Color is greenish brown to brown, sometimes greenish-yellow. Luster is vitreous. Crystals are transparent to translucent. Crystal System is orthorhombic. Crystal Habits are quite limited to alluvial grains found in gem gravels.
Cleavage is distinct in two directions.
Streak is white. Associated Minerals are other gem gravel minerals such as ruby , sapphire , peridot and garnets . Notable Occurrences are limited to the gem gravels of Sri Lanka. Best Field Indicators are color, locality, pleochroism and the relatively high hardness.