mineral
Garnet (Almandine)
Almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)
Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red, brownish-red, or blackish-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep red, brownish-red, or blackish-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red, brownish-red, or blackish-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3.
Formation & geological history
Commonly formed during the regional metamorphism of argillaceous sediments. It is found in metamorphic rocks like mica schists and gneisses, as well as some igneous rocks.
Uses & applications
Used widely as an abrasive (sandblasting, waterjet cutting), as a gemstone in jewelry, and as a filter medium in water purification.
Geological facts
Garnet is the birthstone for January. Almandine is the most common variety of the garnet group. It has been used in jewelry since Ancient Egyptian and Roman times.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic 'pomegranate seed' color, high density, and lack of cleavage. Found globally, often in riverbeds as water-worn pebbles or embedded in schist matrices.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock