mineral

Garnet

Garnet Group (e.g., Almandine Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 or Pyrope Mg3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to violet-red; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric/Cubic (often dodecahedral); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.5-4.3.

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

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in metamorphic rocks (schists, gneisses) and some igneous rocks under high temperature and pressure conditions. Found globally in ancient mountain belts.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive (sandpaper, waterjet cutting), in jewelry as a gemstone, and for technical industrial filtration.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January and has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age. The name is derived from the Latin 'granatus' (grain), likely referring to the pomegranate fruit's seeds.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its deep red color, high hardness, lack of cleavage, and dodecahedral crystal habit. Common in river sands near metamorphic outcrops.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral