mineral

Hessonite garnet in matrix

Hessonite, a grossular garnet; Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Honey-orange to reddish-brown, vitreous translucent crystals in a rough matrix; Mohs hardness 6.5–7.5, cubic crystal system, no cleavage, and distinct conchoidal to uneven fracture. The photo’s color and habit are consistent with hessonite, though identification from an image is uncertain.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Grossular garnet forms during metamorphism of calcium-rich rocks, commonly in skarns and contact-metamorphic zones; its age depends on the deposit.

Uses & applications

Transparent material may be faceted for jewelry; rough specimens are collected, while garnet is also used as an abrasive.

Geological facts

Hessonite is often called cinnamon stone and is a variety of grossular, not a separate mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Look for orange-brown color, glassy luster, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; common sources include Sri Lanka, India, and parts of Africa. Matrix and crystal details are needed for confident field identification.