mineral
Garnet
Garnet Group (e.g., Almandine Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 or Pyrope Mg3Al2(SiO4)3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to violet-red; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric/Cubic (often dodecahedral); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.5-4.3.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep red to violet-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Garnet in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to violet-red; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric/Cubic (often dodecahedral); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.5-4.3.
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic rocks (schists, gneisses) and some igneous rocks under high temperature and pressure conditions. Found globally in ancient mountain belts.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive (sandpaper, waterjet cutting), in jewelry as a gemstone, and for technical industrial filtration.
Geological facts
Garnet is the birthstone for January and has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age. The name is derived from the Latin 'granatus' (grain), likely referring to the pomegranate fruit's seeds.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its deep red color, high hardness, lack of cleavage, and dodecahedral crystal habit. Common in river sands near metamorphic outcrops.
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