mineral

Garnet

Garnet Group (formula varies, e.g., Almasndine: Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically deep red to reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedron or trapezohedron); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.1-4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Typically deep red to reddish-brown
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified January 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss under high pressure and temperature; also found in some igneous rocks. Occurs in various geological ages globally.

Uses & applications

Used as an industrial abrasive for sandblasting and waterjet cutting; high-quality specimens are used in jewelry and as traditional birthstones for January.

Geological facts

Garnet is uniquely found in nearly every color except blue in nature; it was historically used in ancient Rome as signet rings and as an abrasive to engrave other gems.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct crystal shape (twelve-sided faces), lack of cleavage, and exceptional hardness; commonly found in metamorphic regions like the Adirondack Mountains or the gems of Madagascar.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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