mineral

Almandine Garnet

Almandine, Fe3Al2(SiO4)3

Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red, brownish-red to black. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 4.1-4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red, brownish-red to black
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified May 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red, brownish-red to black. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 4.1-4.3.

Formation & geological history

Commonly forms in metamorphic rocks such as mica schists and gneisses during regional metamorphism under high pressure and temperature. It is widely distributed throughout Earth's crust.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an abrasive (sandblasting, sandpaper, water-jet cutting) due to its hardness. High-quality transparent crystals are faceted into gemstones for jewelry.

Geological facts

Almandine is the most common member of the garnet group. The name is a corruption of Alabanda, a city in Asia Minor where these stones were historically cut and polished.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic dodecahedral shape, deep red color, and lack of cleavage. Often found as weather-resistant grains in river sands or embedded in flaky schist rocks. Found globally in places like India, Brazil, and the USA.