gemstone

Almandine Garnet

Almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

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.

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

Identified July 29, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Almandine Garnet in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

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.