mineral

Garnet (specifically Almandine)

Almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to brownish-black; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric/Cubic (often dodecahedral); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.5-4.3

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

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed during high-pressure and high-temperature regional metamorphism of clay-rich sedimentary rocks like shale. Common in schist and gneiss environments.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive in sandpaper and waterjet cutting; high-quality specimens are faceted for jewelry (January birthstone) or kept as mineral specimens.

Geological facts

Almandine is the most common member of the garnet group. Garnets have been used as gemstones since the Bronze Age and were once believed to light up the night and protect their owners from evil.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'equant' or ball-like crystal shape, high hardness (will scratch glass), and dark red color when held to a strong light. Commonly found in metamorphic terrains in places like New York (USA), India, and Brazil.

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