mineral

Garnet

Garnet Group (e.g., Almandine, Pyrope)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Red, brown, purple, green, black; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 3.5-4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Red, brown, purple, green, black
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss through regional or contact metamorphism, as well as in igneous pegmatites and mantle-derived peridotites, often over millions of years under high heat and pressure.

Uses & applications

Used widely as a gemstone in jewelry, as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting, and in water filtration media.

Geological facts

Garnets have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. The name comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning grain, likely referring to the pomegranate fruit due to the red crystals' resemblance in shape and color.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its characteristic dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystal habit, lack of cleavage, reddish-brown color, and high hardness. Commonly found in metamorphic terranes, river placers, and beach sands worldwide.