gemstone
Garnet
Garnet Group (formula varies: e.g., Almandine Fe3Al2Si3O12 or Pyrope Mg3Al2Si3O12)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7.5; Color: Deep red to burgundy; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); SG: 3.5-4.3
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep red to burgundy
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.5; Color: Deep red to burgundy; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); SG: 3.5-4.3
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss under high pressure and temperature, as well as in some igneous rocks. Origin spans from Precambrian to recent geological eras.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, but also used as an industrial abrasive for waterjet cutting, sandblasting, and water filtration media.
Geological facts
The name 'garnet' comes from the Latin 'granatus' (grain), likely a reference to pomegranates because the crystals resemble small red seeds of that fruit.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic dodecahedral crystal habit when raw, high density, and lack of cleavage. Found globally in India, Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
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