gemstone

Likely polished garnet fragment

Garnet group, possibly almandine (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Deep wine-red, translucent material with a vitreous luster and a flat polished face; garnet hardness is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, with no cleavage and an isometric crystal structure. The specimen appears cut or tumbled rather than naturally crystal-shaped.

Identified August 9, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets crystallize mainly in metamorphic rocks during regional metamorphism, though some form in igneous rocks; many gem garnets are Paleozoic to Precambrian in age. Common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone, abrasive, and ornamental material; small fragments have modest jewelry or collector value. Industrial garnet is used in blasting media and water-jet cutting.

Geological facts

The red color commonly reflects iron, while chromium or manganese can modify the hue. A strong scratch resistance and lack of cleavage help distinguish garnet from many red glass or calcite imitations.

Field identification & locations

Field clues include dense feel, glassy luster, red-to-brown color, and resistance to scratching by steel; definitive identification requires refractive-index or analytical testing. The image alone cannot exclude ruby, red glass, or another red mineral.