mineral

Garnet

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

Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep reddish-brown to dark red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific gravity: 3.5-4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep reddish-brown to dark red
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep reddish-brown to dark red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral). Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific gravity: 3.5-4.3.

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in metamorphic rocks like mica schists or gneisses under high pressure and temperature; also found in some igneous rocks. These minerals can be billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in jewelry as a gemstone, and industrially as an abrasive for sandblasting and waterjet cutting due to its hardness.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January. While red is the most common color, garnets can actually be almost any color, including green (Tsavorite) and orange (Spessartine).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct crystal shape (often looking like a 12-sided soccer ball) and its tendency to be harder than the surrounding mica in schist. Locations include New York (USA), Tanzania, and India.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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