mineral

Likely raw garnet crystal

Garnet-group silicate, probably almandine (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark reddish-brown, vitreous to resinous luster, irregular fractured surfaces, and possible partial crystal faces; garnet hardness is 6.5–7.5 Mohs, with no cleavage and commonly dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals. The photograph alone cannot confirm species; iron-rich garnet is suggested by the color.

Identified August 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets form chiefly in medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, and also in some igneous rocks and placer deposits. Individual crystals may be hundreds of millions to billions of years old, depending on their host rock.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality garnet is used in jewelry; nongem material is used as abrasive in sandpaper, waterjet cutting, and filtration media. This small, fractured specimen is mainly of collector interest.

Geological facts

Garnet is a mineral group rather than one single mineral, with compositions ranging from iron-, magnesium-, calcium-, and manganese-rich varieties. It commonly survives weathering and concentrates in stream sands.

Field identification & locations

Look for a dense, glassy reddish crystal without cleavage, often with dodecahedral faces; a streak test, hardness test, and specific-gravity measurement would help distinguish it from glass, slag, or jasper. Common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the United States, and Brazil.