gemstone

Garnet

Garnet Group (formula varies: e.g., Almandine Fe3Al2Si3O12 or Pyrope Mg3Al2Si3O12)

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

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red to burgundy
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified July 13, 2026More gemstone →

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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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