gemstone

Likely polished/tumbled garnet

Garnet-group silicate, likely almandine–pyrope solid solution; approximate formula Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃–Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark wine-red to purplish, translucent to opaque, with a resinous-to-glassy luster and granular/crystalline surface. Garnet hardness is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5; cleavage is absent, and specific gravity is about 3.5–4.3.

Identified September 19, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Likely polished/tumbled garnet in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Likely polished/tumbled garnet
Scientific name: Garnet-group silicate, likely almandine–pyrope solid solution; approximate formula Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃–Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 19, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a common tumbled/opaque specimen; higher-quality transparent garnet may range from $50 to several hundred dollars.

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

Garnet forms mainly in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, through recrystallization during regional metamorphism; some varieties crystallize in igneous rocks. The specimen appears rounded and surface-worn, likely tumbled or naturally abraded.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive, water-filtration medium, and gemstone; opaque rounded pieces have modest lapidary and collecting appeal.

Geological facts

Garnets commonly form dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals, though this piece’s shape obscures crystal form. Its red color is consistent with iron- and magnesium-bearing garnet, but identification from the image alone is not definitive.

Field identification & locations

Check for unusually high density, lack of cleavage, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; a streak, refractive-index, or chemical test is needed to separate garnet from jasper, quartz, or slag. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and the United States.