mineral

Red Garnet (Pyrope or Almandine)

Magnesium aluminum silicate (Mg3Al2(SiO4)3) or Iron aluminum silicate (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep red/burgundy. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic. Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific Gravity: 3.6–4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red/burgundy
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep red/burgundy. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic. Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific Gravity: 3.6–4.3.

Formation & geological history

Formed under high temperatures and pressures during regional metamorphism of clay-rich rocks (shales) or within igneous environments like pegmatites and kimberlites.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, earrings, pendants) and as a birthstone for January. Industrially, it is used as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting due to its hardness.

Geological facts

Garnets have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. Warriors in some cultures believed garnets would protect them from wounds during battle and bring victory.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its dodecahedral (12-sided) crystal habit and lack of cleavage. Common locations include metamorphic belts in the USA (New York, Idaho), India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral