mineral

Garnet

Garnet Group (e.g., Almandine Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness of 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, typically dark red to reddish-brown, vitreous to subadamantine luster, isometric crystal system (often dodecahedron or trapezohedron), no true cleavage, specific gravity ranges from 3.5 to 4.3 depending on the species.

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses through regional or contact metamorphism, and occasionally in igneous rocks like granitic pegmatites and peridotites, over millions of years under high temperature and pressure.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a gemstone in jewelry, as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting, and collected by mineral enthusiasts.

Geological facts

Garnets have been used as gemstones since the Bronze Age. The name comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning 'grain', referring to the pomegranate fruit due to their similar red crystal shapes.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its distinct 12-sided (dodecahedral) or 24-sided crystal habit, reddish color, and high hardness. Found worldwide in metamorphic terranes, river gravels, and beach sands.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

mineral

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Schist

Metamorphic