mineral
Garnet
Silicate mineral group (e.g., Almandine, Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale, deep red to brownish-red color, vitreous to resinous luster, isometric crystal system, no true cleavage, and specific gravity around 3.5-4.3.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale, deep red to brownish-red color, vitreous to resinous luster, isometric crystal system, no true cleavage, and specific gravity around 3.5-4.3.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in metamorphic rocks like schists and gneisses through regional or contact metamorphism, as well as in igneous pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used extensively as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting, as well as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry.
Geological facts
Garnets have been used as gemstones since the Bronze Age and can occasionally form rare green varieties like tsavorite and demantoid.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive rounded crystal habit (dodecahedrons or trapezohedrons), lack of cleavage, and high hardness; found worldwide in metamorphic terranes and alluvial placers.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic