gemstone

Garnet-set butterfly brooch

Likely almandine or pyrope garnet, iron–aluminum silicate (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ or Mg₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The reddish faceted stones appear to be garnets: typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, vitreous luster, cubic crystal system, and no cleavage. The surrounding gold-colored metal and blue accents are jewelry settings, not geological material.

Identified September 5, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Garnet-set butterfly brooch
Scientific name: Likely almandine or pyrope garnet, iron–aluminum silicate (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ or Mg₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 5, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$100 as costume jewelry; $100–$500+ if authenticated as gold-mounted jewelry with natural, quality garnets.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets form mainly in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, commonly during regional metamorphism; some varieties form in igneous rocks. Their ages range from ancient Precambrian deposits to younger mountain-building environments.

Uses & applications

Used as jewelry gemstones and abrasives; this specimen is a decorative brooch. Value depends heavily on whether the metal is gold, plating, or costume alloy, and on garnet quality.

Geological facts

Garnet is a mineral group rather than one single species; red almandine is the most common jewelry variety. Garnets are generally singly refractive and lack cleavage, helping distinguish them from ruby or red glass.

Field identification & locations

Check for natural inclusions, strong vitreous luster, and hardness sufficient to resist scratching by steel; definitive identification requires refractive-index or gemological testing. Common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Africa, and the United States.