mineral

Garnet

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

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep dark red to reddish-black; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (often rhombic dodecahedron or cubic); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.1-4.3.

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

Identified April 26, 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 within igneous rocks like granite and peridotite. Commonly found in subduction zones.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, especially when set in gold rings. Industrially used as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting due to its hardness.

Geological facts

The name comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning pomegranate, due to the crystals' resemblance to the seeds. Garnet is the birthstone for January.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its lack of cleavage, dodecahedral crystal habit, and high hardness. Common locations include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, and India.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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