mineral
Likely garnet, possibly almandine
Garnet group; likely almandine, Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark reddish-brown, vitreous to resinous luster, with irregular fracture and no obvious cleavage; garnet hardness is about 6.5–7.5 Mohs. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm crystal form or species.
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Physical properties
Dark reddish-brown, vitreous to resinous luster, with irregular fracture and no obvious cleavage; garnet hardness is about 6.5–7.5 Mohs. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm crystal form or species.
Formation & geological history
Garnets commonly form during metamorphism of aluminum-rich rocks, though some occur in igneous rocks; their ages depend on the host rock and can range widely. This identification is tentative from appearance alone.
Uses & applications
Garnet is used as an abrasive and, when clear and attractive, as a gemstone or collector specimen.
Geological facts
Garnet is a mineral group rather than a single species; almandine is one of its most common members.
Field identification & locations
The reddish-brown color is consistent with almandine, but the pictured rough, glossy surface is not diagnostic. Near the reported northwest Washington location, metamorphic rocks and garnet are plausible; a hardness test and examination of crystal faces would help distinguish it from other dark minerals.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous