mineral

Likely garnet

Almandine–pyrope garnet group; commonly Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ to Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, reddish-brown, translucent rough crystal with vitreous luster and conchoidal-to-uneven fracture; garnet hardness is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, lacks cleavage, and is usually cubic/isometric. Exact identification requires testing because similar material may be glass or ruby-like corundum.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnet commonly forms during regional or contact metamorphism of aluminum-rich rocks and also occurs in igneous rocks and alluvial deposits; specimens may range from ancient Precambrian grains to younger mountain-building environments.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality garnet is faceted for jewelry; industrial garnet is used as abrasive, blasting media, and water-jet cutting material. Small rough pieces generally have modest collector value.

Geological facts

Red garnets are often almandine or pyrope, and color alone cannot reliably distinguish them. A strongly magnetic response may suggest iron-rich almandine.

Field identification & locations

Look for a compact, non-cleaved crystal, often with dodecahedral or trapezohedral faces, high density, and a glassy red-brown appearance; common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Africa, and the United States. Professional refractive-index or spectroscopy testing is needed for certainty.