gemstone

Likely polished garnet

Garnet group; probably almandine, iron-aluminum silicate (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Appears as a small, dark wine-red, rounded polished stone with vitreous luster; garnet hardness is 6.5–7.5 Mohs, typically non-cleavable, with cubic crystal structure and specific gravity about 3.5–4.3. The blurred image prevents reliable confirmation or distinction from red glass or another gemstone.

Identified August 10, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets commonly form in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, though some occur in igneous rocks and alluvial deposits; their ages range from ancient Precambrian terrains to younger formations.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive, gemstone, jewelry bead, and collector specimen; high-quality transparent red varieties are faceted, while opaque pieces are polished or tumbled.

Geological facts

Garnet is a mineral group rather than one species, and color varieties include red, orange, green, and purple. It commonly lacks cleavage, helping distinguish it from many similar red minerals.

Field identification & locations

Confirm with a sharper image, scratch testing, refractive index, or specific gravity; common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and the United States. Look for glassy luster, dense weight, and absence of bubbles or flow lines.