mineral

Garnet in Matrix

Almandine/Grossular Garnet in Pegmatite or Schist

Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red, brownish-red, or reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic/dodecahedron); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 3.5 to 4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red, brownish-red, or reddish-brown
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified August 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high pressure and temperature conditions within metamorphic rocks like schists and gneisses, or crystallized within igneous pegmatites. Geological age varies widely depending on the host rock, spanning from Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting, as well as in jewelry and gemstone collecting.

Geological facts

Garnets have been used as gemstones since the Bronze Age. The name comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning grain, due to their resemblance to pomegranate seeds.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by their distinct deep red color and characteristic 12-sided (dodecahedral) or 24-sided crystal habits embedded in a host rock. Commonly found in metamorphic terrains worldwide, stream gravels, and pegmatite dikes.

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