mineral

Garnet

Garnet group (X3Y2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Dark red to brownish-red; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 3.1-4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Dark red to brownish-red
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified June 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Dark red to brownish-red; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 3.1-4.3

Formation & geological history

Formed under high temperatures and pressures during regional metamorphism of clay-rich rocks like shale, or in igneous rocks like gabbro or pegmatites. Found in metamorphic schist and gneiss.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as gemstones in jewelry and as an industrial abrasive for sandblasting or waterjet cutting due to its high hardness and lack of cleavage.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January. While commonly known as red, it occurs in almost every color including green (Tsavorite) and orange (Spessartine). Crystals often form perfect 12-sided shapes called dodecahedrons.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its dark red color, translucent appearance, and rounded or dodecahedral crystal habit within schist or river sediments. Common in metamorphic belts worldwide.