mineral

Garnet (Rough Almandine Crystal)

Almandine Garnet (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep reddish-brown to dark wine red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal Structure: Isometric (dodecahedral or trapezohedral form). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 4.1 - 4.3.

Hardness: 7
Color: Deep reddish-brown to dark wine red
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed during regional metamorphism of clay-rich sedimentary rocks under high temperature and pressure conditions, creating mica schists, gneisses, and amphibolites.

Uses & applications

Used extensively as an industrial abrasive (waterjet cutting, sandblasting), as gemstone material for jewelry, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Garnet is the official birthstone for January and the state mineral of New York. The name 'garnet' comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning seed-like, referring to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct round or 12-sided dodecahedral crystal habit, high hardness, lack of cleavage, heavy feel for its size, and typical deep red-brown color. Common in metamorphic terrains worldwide (e.g., India, USA, Madagascar, Austria).

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

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