mineral

Garnet (Almandine variety)

Almandine Garnet (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Deep reddish-brown to black, Luster: Vitreous to resinous, Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic (often dodecahedral), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3

Hardness: 6

Identified February 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed via regional metamorphism of clay-rich sedimentary rocks (shales) or within igneous pegmatites. These specimens are often hundreds of millions of years old, appearing in metamorphic belts worldwide.

Uses & applications

Used as an industrial abrasive (sandblasting and water-jet cutting), as a gemstone in jewelry, and as an index mineral for determining metamorphic grade in geological studies.

Geological facts

Almandine garnet is the most common member of the garnet group. It has been used in jewelry since Roman times and is the birthstone for January. Large, well-formed crystals are highly prized by mineral collectors.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct 12-sided crystal habit, hardness (will scratch glass), and deep red-to-brown color. Commonly found in mica schists, gneisses, and river gravels.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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)]

mineral

Epidote

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

mineral