mineral

Garnet

Garnet Group (Silicate Minerals)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep red to orange-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedron). Cleavage: None/Indistinct. Specific gravity: 3.1-4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red to orange-red
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified May 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep red to orange-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedron). Cleavage: None/Indistinct. Specific gravity: 3.1-4.3.

Formation & geological history

Commonly formed in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss under high heat and pressure, as well as some igneous rocks like granites and pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone and as an abrasive in industrial settings (waterjet cutting and sandblasting).

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January and has been used for adornment for over 5,000 years, found in the jewelry of Ancient Egypt and Rome.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its depth of color, hardness, and lack of cleavage. Found globally in metamorphic terranes; common locations include India, Madagascar, and the USA (Arizona/New York).