Mineral

Garnet (Almandine)

Almandine Garnet (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5–7.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown to localized deep red; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Cubic (dodecahedral); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 4.1–4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Reddish-brown to localized deep red
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through regional metamorphism of clay-rich sedimentary rocks (pelites) such as shale or schist. They typically appear in metamorphic belts aged from Precambrian to recent.

Uses & applications

Common industrial use as an abrasive in sandblasting and water-jet cutting. Higher-grade specimens are used in jewelry as birthstones or for faceting; rough specimens are common in beginner mineral collections.

Geological facts

Garnet is the official state mineral of Connecticut; the name 'garnet' comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning seed, likely referring to the seeds of a pomegranate.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its characteristic 12-sided (dodecahedron) crystal shape, high density for its size, and red-brown streak. Commonly found in mica schists across the Northeast US, India, and Brazil.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral