Mineral

Garnet

Garnet Group (Silicate mineral); general formula X3Y2(SiO4)3

Hardness: 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to brownish-red (likely Almandine or Pyrope variety); Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (though here shaped into a hexagonal point); Specific gravity: 3.1–4.3.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified March 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high temperatures and pressures in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss, or as accessory minerals in igneous rocks. They are found in geological environments ranging from the Precambrian to the present.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an abrasive (sandpaper, waterjet cutting), and in jewelry/lapidary as gemstones. This specific specimen is shaped as a pendulum for metaphysical use.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January. It was historically used in the late Roman world and in the Viking Age for intricate cloisonné jewelry pieces.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its dodecahedral crystal habit (when raw), high hardness, and lack of cleavage. Common locations include metamorphic belts in India, Madagascar, USA (New York, Idaho), and Brazil.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

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Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral