mineral
Garnet
Garnet Group (Silicate mineral); general formula X3Y2(SiO4)3
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep dark red to reddish-black; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (often rhombic dodecahedron or cubic); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.1-4.3.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep dark red to reddish-black
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep dark red to reddish-black; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (often rhombic dodecahedron or cubic); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.1-4.3.
Formation & geological history
Formed under high temperatures and pressures in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss, or within igneous rocks like granite and peridotite. Commonly found in subduction zones.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, especially when set in gold rings. Industrially used as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting due to its hardness.
Geological facts
The name comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning pomegranate, due to the crystals' resemblance to the seeds. Garnet is the birthstone for January.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its lack of cleavage, dodecahedral crystal habit, and high hardness. Common locations include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, and India.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary