mineral

Iron-stained garnet-bearing rock, possibly almandine garnet

Garnet-group silicate, likely almandine (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂), in a quartz–iron-oxide matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark red to purplish, vitreous garnet-like areas with irregular crystal faces and abundant yellow-brown iron-oxide staining. Garnet hardness is about 6.5–7.5 Mohs, typically with no cleavage; the specimen appears massive and matrix-rich rather than a clean crystal.

Identified August 10, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained garnet-bearing rock, possibly almandine garnet
Scientific name: Garnet-group silicate, likely almandine (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂), in a quartz–iron-oxide matrix
Category: mineral
Identified: August 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as an attractive rough specimen; $50–$150 if verified as unusually fine garnet-bearing material. No reliable value should be assigned to suspected gold without assay.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Most likely formed in metamorphic rocks such as schist or gneiss, with later oxidation producing limonite/goethite coatings. Garnet-bearing metamorphic rocks are commonly Precambrian to Paleozoic, but the exact age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Garnet is used as an abrasive, filtration medium, and gemstone; attractive red crystals are cut for jewelry. This heavily included matrix specimen has primarily collector value.

Geological facts

The bright yellow-gold material is probably iron oxide, not native gold; a streak, hardness, density, and chemical test are needed to distinguish it from gold-bearing quartz or slag.

Field identification & locations

The reported Yemen-area location is geologically plausible for metamorphic and hydrothermal iron-rich material, but this cannot be confirmed from the photo. Test red areas against glass, inspect for dodecahedral garnet forms, and use a magnet cautiously; laboratory Raman/XRF testing would be definitive.