mineral

Almandine Garnet

Almandine, Fe3Al2(SiO4)3

Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red, brownish-red, black. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3.

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

Identified May 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red, brownish-red, black. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3.

Formation & geological history

Formed in regional metamorphic environments, specifically in mica schists and gneisses deep within the Earth's crust under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as an industrial abrasive (sandpaper, waterjet cutting) due to its hardness. High-quality specimens are used in jewelry as gemstones (January birthstone).

Geological facts

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age. Almandine is the most common member of the garnet group. The name comes from 'Alabanda', a city in Asia Minor where these stones were traditionally cut.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by high density, deep red color, and lack of cleavage. Found globally in metamorphic terranes such as the Adirondack Mountains (USA), Brazil, and India.