gemstone
Almandine Garnet
Almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep red, brownish-red, or purplish-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic). Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal to uneven fracture). Specific gravity: 3.9 - 4.3.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep red, brownish-red, or purplish-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Almandine Garnet in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep red, brownish-red, or purplish-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic). Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal to uneven fracture). Specific gravity: 3.9 - 4.3.
Formation & geological history
Formed through regional metamorphism of argillaceous sediments in mica schists and gneisses, and found as well in certain igneous rocks like granite pegmatites. Geological age ranges from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry, as an abrasive in waterjet cutting, and in sandblasting media.
Geological facts
Garnets have been used as gemstones since the Bronze Age. Almandine is the most common and widely distributed variety of garnet, often occurring as dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic deep red color, high specific gravity, vitreous luster, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found worldwide in metamorphic terranes.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone