gemstone

Polished garnet beads

Garnet group, commonly almandine–pyrope solid solution (approximately Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃–Mg₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark red to reddish-brown, translucent to opaque, with vitreous polish; garnet has Mohs hardness 6.5–7.5, cubic crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 3.5–4.3. The rounded, drilled forms indicate polished jewelry beads.

Identified August 22, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnet crystallizes mainly in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, though some varieties form in igneous rocks; geological ages vary widely from Precambrian to recent. These beads are cut and polished human-processed specimens.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, ornamental beads, abrasives, and mineral collecting; value depends on transparency, color, variety, and workmanship.

Geological facts

Garnet is a mineral group rather than one species, and its name derives from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate. Red almandine and pyrope are especially common bead materials.

Field identification & locations

Identify by strong red color, high luster, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching; glass or dyed quartz may resemble it, so refractive index or hardness testing helps. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and East Africa.