mineral

Garnet

Garnet group species (likely Almandine, Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5. Color: Deep reddish-brown to translucent ruby red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedron). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 3.5-4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep reddish-brown to translucent ruby red
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified June 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high heat and pressure in metamorphic rocks such as schist or gneiss. These minerals can also be found in certain igneous rocks and as alluvial deposits in riverbeds.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as a gemstone and in industry as an abrasive for waterjet cutting and sandblasting due to its hardness and sharp edges.

Geological facts

Garnet is the birthstone for January and has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age in Egypt. Ancient warriors believed garnets brought victory and protection from injury.

Field identification & locations

Look for rounded, ball-like crystals with many flat faces in metamorphic matrix. Often found in riverbeds as dark red heavy grains. Its lack of cleavage and high hardness help distinguish it from other red minerals.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral