Mineral (specifically, a variety of the mineral species Pyrope-Almandine Garnet)

Garnet (Red Garnet)

Garnet Group. The red varieties seen in jewelry are typically Almandine (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3), Pyrope (Mg3Al2(SiO4)3), or a mix of the two (pyrope-almandine series).

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red, reddish-brown, purplish-red; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to sub-adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals are common); Cleavage: None (has conchoidal to uneven fracture); Specific Gravity: 3.58-4.32

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red, reddish-brown, purplish-red
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to sub-adamantine

Identified July 27, 2025More mineral (specifically, a variety of the mineral species pyrope-almandine garnet) →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets form under a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. Red garnets (almandine and pyrope varieties) are typically found in high-grade metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss, or in igneous rocks like peridotite and granite. They can also be found in alluvial deposits due to their hardness and resistance to weathering. Geological age varies widely depending on the host rock formation, ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, especially the deep red varieties like almandine and pyrope. Lower quality or industrial-grade garnet is crushed and used as an abrasive in sandpaper, waterjet cutting, and sandblasting. It's also used in water filtration media.

Geological facts

Garnets have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. Historically, red garnets were thought to be dried drops of blood or solidified fire. Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) was a major source of beautiful red garnets for centuries. It's the birthstone for January.

Field identification & locations

In the field, red garnets can often be identified by their characteristic dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystal forms, their deep red color, and their hardness (they can scratch glass). They are commonly found in metamorphic terrains worldwide, with significant deposits in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, USA (Idaho, Arizona, North Carolina), South Africa, and Bohemia (Czech Republic). Collectors value well-formed crystals and clear, richly colored gem-quality specimens.

Other mineral (specifically, a variety of the mineral species pyrope-almandine garnet) specimens

See all

Likely garnet crystal

Garnet-group silicate; species cannot be determined from the image

mineral

Red garnet (possible rough gem fragment)

Likely almandine garnet, Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃; identification from the image is uncertain

gemstone

Red glassy gemstone, possibly garnet

Unidentified red transparent material; garnet group (X₃Y₂(SiO₄)₃) is a possibility

gemstone

Red garnet (possible almandine or pyrope), cut/polished

Garnet-group silicate; likely almandine, Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃, or pyrope, Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

gemstone

Garnet (likely pyrope–almandine)

Garnet-group nesosilicate, commonly pyrope Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ or almandine Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

mineral

Polished garnet beads

Garnet group, commonly almandine–pyrope solid solution (approximately Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃–Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃)

gemstone