metamorphic
Garnet (Almandine)
Almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)
Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: deep red to brownish-red. Luster: vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: isometric/dodecahedral. Specific gravity: 4.1-4.3.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- deep red to brownish-red
- Luster
- vitreous to resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: deep red to brownish-red. Luster: vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: isometric/dodecahedral. Specific gravity: 4.1-4.3.
Formation & geological history
Formed in high-pressure metamorphic rocks like mica schists and gneisses during regional metamorphism of clay-rich sediments. Often found as porphyroblasts.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone and as an effective abrasive for waterjet cutting and sandblasting due to its hardness.
Geological facts
Garnet is the birthstone for January and has been used in jewelry since the Bronze Age. The name comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning seed-like, referring to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds.
Field identification & locations
Look for distinct 12-sided crystal habits in schists. They are common in mountain belts like the Appalachians or the Alps. They often weather out of the host rock as individual rounded grains.
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