mineral

Garnet (specifically Almandine or Pyrope)

Almandine: Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 or Pyrope: Mg3Al2(SiO4)3

Hardness: 6.5–7.5 Mohs. Color: Deep red, brownish-red to black. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 3.5–4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red, brownish-red to black
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified March 15, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in metamorphic rocks like mica schists or gneisses under high pressure and temperature; also found in certain igneous rocks like peridotite or as alluvial deposits in riverbeds.

Uses & applications

Used widely as a gemstone in jewelry, but also industrially as an abrasive for sandblasting and water-jet cutting due to its hardness and sharp edges when crushed.

Geological facts

Garnet is the official birthstone for January. The name 'garnet' comes from the Latin 'granatus' meaning pomegranate, referring to the resemblance of its crystals to red pomegranate seeds.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct deep red color, lack of cleavage, and dodecahedral crystal shape. Common locations include New York (USA), Tanzania, India, and Sri Lanka. Collectors look for clarity and well-defined crystal faces.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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