mineral

Garnet and Quartz

Pyrope or Almandine (Red Garnets) and Quartz (Center Stone)

Garnet hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: deep burgundy red. Luster: vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Quartz center: hardness 7, colorless.

Hardness: 6
Color: deep burgundy red
Luster: vitreous to resinous

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Garnet hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: deep burgundy red. Luster: vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Quartz center: hardness 7, colorless.

Formation & geological history

Garnets typically form in metamorphic rocks like schist or gneiss under high pressure/temperature, or in some igneous rocks. Common in Precambrian through Tertiary formations.

Uses & applications

Primary use as gemstones in jewelry. Industrial uses include abrasives (sandpaper, waterjet cutting) and filtration media.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January and has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age. Natural red garnets were once widely known as carruncles.

Field identification & locations

Identify by deep red color that doesn't change much under various lighting, high hardness (scratches glass), and absence of cleavage. Found in metamorphic belts globally.

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