mineral

Garnet (Spessartine / Almandine)

Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 to Mn3Al2(SiO4)3 (Nesosilicate)

Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Reddish-brown, orange-red, to deep brown. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic (typically dodecahedral or trapezohedral form). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 3.8 - 4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Reddish-brown, orange-red, to deep brown
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure and high-temperature metamorphic conditions in mica schists, gneisses, or within granitic pegmatites and igneous rocks.

Uses & applications

Used extensively as a gemstone in fine jewelry when gem-grade, and as an industrial abrasive for sandblasting, waterjet cutting, and sandpaper manufacturing due to its hardness and sharp cleavage-less fractures.

Geological facts

Garnets have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. Red garnets were the most commonly used gemstones in the Late Roman world and the Migration Period.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high hardness, distinctive dodecahedral crystal habit, brownish-red color, vitreous luster, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in metamorphic terrains worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and the USA.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

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)

Mineral