gemstone

Garnet

Silicate mineral group (often Pyrope or Almandine in this color range)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs), Color: Deep red to purplish-red, Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine, Crystal system: Isometric, Cleavage: Indistinct/None

Hardness: 6

Identified July 19, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs), Color: Deep red to purplish-red, Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine, Crystal system: Isometric, Cleavage: Indistinct/None

Formation & geological history

Formed under high temperatures and pressures in metamorphic rocks like schist or through crystallization in igneous environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry when of gemstone quality; also utilized as an industrial abrasive for waterjet cutting and sandblasting.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January. While most famous for being red, it can actually occur in almost every color, including green and orange.

Field identification & locations

Check for high refractive index and lack of cleavage. In jewelry, look for deep red saturation and clarity; in nature, they often form dodecahedral (12-sided) crystals.

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Diamond and Gold Jewelry

Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)

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Ammolite

Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

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Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

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Faceted Gemstone

Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass

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