mineral

Almandine Garnet

Almandine, Fe3Al2(SiO4)3

Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Deep red, brownish-red, to nearly black; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), commonly forms dodecahedrons or trapezohedrons; Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 3.9 to 4.3.

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

Identified August 5, 2026More mineral →

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

Forms primarily in metamorphic rocks such as mica schists and gneisses via regional metamorphism of aluminum-rich sedimentary rocks, and occasionally in igneous rocks like granitic pegmatites. Geological age varies widely depending on the host rock formation.

Uses & applications

Widely used as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting, as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry, and prized by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its characteristic deep red-to-brownish color, high hardness, lack of cleavage, and often rounded, sub-hedral crystal habits (pebbles or granules weathered out of schist). Found globally, with notable deposits in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and the USA.