mineral
Garnet
Garnet Group (Silicate Minerals), formula varies e.g., Alm: Fe3Al2(SiO4)3
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red to brownish-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal Structure: Isometric (often dodecahedral). Cleavage: None, exhibits subconchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep red to brownish-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep red to brownish-red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal Structure: Isometric (often dodecahedral). Cleavage: None, exhibits subconchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed under high temperature and pressure in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss, or as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks.
Uses & applications
Used as an industrial abrasive (sandpaper, waterjet cutting), a gemstone in jewelry, and a geological dating tool.
Geological facts
Garnet is the birthstone for January. While red is most common, it can occur in almost any color except blue. It has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'equant' or rounded crystal shape, glassy luster, and high hardness. Commonly found in metamorphic terrains such as the Adirondacks or the Alps.
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
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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