mineral

Probable tumbled garnet

Garnet-group silicate, commonly almandine (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small rounded reddish-brown translucent grain with vitreous-to-resinous luster; garnet is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, has cubic crystal symmetry, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Exact identification is uncertain from the image alone; it could also be a weathered quartz or feldspar fragment.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnet commonly crystallizes in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, though some varieties occur in igneous rocks and alluvial 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; lower-grade garnet serves as an abrasive and waterjet-cutting medium. A specimen this small is mainly a curiosity or teaching sample.

Geological facts

Garnets commonly form dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals and are durable because they lack cleavage. Red almandine and pyrope are the most familiar red varieties.

Field identification & locations

Check for uniform red-brown color, high hardness, lack of cleavage, and a white streak; a hardness test and refractive index or Raman/XRF analysis are needed for confirmation. Common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and the United States.