metamorphic

Likely garnet-bearing metamorphic rock

Garnet amphibolite or garnet-bearing schist; chiefly almandine garnet (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂) with amphibole, mica, and quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark reddish-brown, irregular and weakly foliated, with subvitreous to dull luster and granular texture. Garnet hardness is about 6.5–7.5 Mohs; the pictured matrix appears softer and weathered, with no clear cleavage.

Identified September 8, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Likely garnet-bearing metamorphic rock
Scientific name: Garnet amphibolite or garnet-bearing schist; chiefly almandine garnet (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂) with amphibole, mica, and quartz
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a small common specimen; $30–$100+ if crystals are well formed, gemmy, or locality-labeled.

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

Formed when aluminum- and iron-rich sedimentary or igneous rock underwent medium- to high-grade metamorphism, commonly during mountain building. Precise age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Garnet is used as an abrasive and occasionally as a gemstone; the rock itself is mainly a collector specimen and has little commercial construction value.

Geological facts

Garnet crystals commonly form equant, dodecahedral shapes and resist weathering, while surrounding minerals erode away. The specimen may also be iron-rich slag or another dark mineral, requiring testing for confirmation.

Field identification & locations

Look for hard, glassy red-brown garnet grains that can scratch glass, lack cleavage, and show a pale streak; a magnet or specific-gravity test may help. Common sources include metamorphic belts in India, Madagascar, the United States, and Scandinavia.