mineral

Garnet (almandine or pyrope variety)

Silicate mineral Group: (Fe, Mg, Mn, Ca)3(Al, Fe, Cr)2(SiO4)3

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5–7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep reddish-brown to dark purple-red; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Isometric (dodecahedral); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.5–4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep reddish-brown to dark purple-red
Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous

Identified March 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Usually forms in metamorphic rocks (such as schist or gneiss) under high temperature and pressure, or in some igneous rocks. They are found across a wide range of geological ages from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry as a gemstone. Industrial uses include abrasive blasting (sandblasting alternative), water jet cutting, and water filtration granules due to its hardness and chemical resistance.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January. The name 'garnet' comes from the Latin 'granatus' (grain), likely a reference to the 'punica granatum' (pomegranate), as its crystals resemble the fruit's red seeds.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its characteristic red-to-brown color, lack of cleavage, and dodecahedral crystal habit. It often pops out as harder, raised bumps on the surface of weathered metamorphic rock. Commonly found in India, Madagascar, and the USA.