gemstone

Faceted red gemstone, likely garnet

Garnet group; probably almandine-pyrope solid solution, (Fe,Mg)₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7.5 Mohs; deep red to burgundy color, vitreous luster, transparent to translucent, isotropic cubic crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image shows a small faceted cut stone, but color and inclusions are insufficient for definitive identification.

Identified September 4, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Faceted red gemstone, likely garnet
Scientific name: Garnet group; probably almandine-pyrope solid solution, (Fe,Mg)₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 4, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$50 for a small commercial cut stone; $50–$500+ for attractive, clean, well-cut garnet, depending on variety, size, color, and clarity.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets form mainly in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, with some varieties in igneous rocks and alluvial deposits; they commonly crystallized during regional metamorphism from the Precambrian through the present. Faceting and polishing are human processing.

Uses & applications

Used as an affordable gemstone, abrasive, and occasionally in industrial waterjet or filtration media. Fine transparent red garnets are used in rings, pendants, and earrings.

Geological facts

Red garnet is commonly confused with ruby, spinel, and synthetic stones; unlike ruby, garnet is singly refractive and lacks strong cleavage. Almandine is generally darker and more brownish-red, while pyrope is purer vivid red.

Field identification & locations

Look for strong vitreous luster, absence of cleavage, rounded or irregular natural grains, and a refractive, saturated red color; hardness testing and gemological refractive-index measurement are more reliable than appearance. Common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the United States.