mineral

Almandine Garnet

Almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red, brownish-red, or nearly black; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), often forming dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals; Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 3.9-4.3

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

Identified July 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in metamorphic rocks such as mica schists and gneisses through regional metamorphism of argillaceous sediments, and occasionally in igneous rocks like granitic pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Used extensively as a gemstone in jewelry, as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting, and as a filtration media.

Geological facts

Almandine is the most common and widespread member of the garnet group. The name comes from Alabanda, an ancient town in Asia Minor where garnets were cut and traded.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its deep reddish-brown color, high hardness, lack of cleavage, and typical rounded crystal habit or 'pockmarked' weathered appearance in matrix. Commonly found worldwide, notably in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and the USA.