gemstone

Raw Garnet (Hessonite / Spessartine)

Silicate mineral group (X3Y2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 Mohs. Color: Reddish-brown, brownish-orange, honey-yellow. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal System: Dodecahedral/Trapezohedral, Isometric. Specific Gravity: 3.6-4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Reddish-brown, brownish-orange, honey-yellow
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified July 24, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 Mohs. Color: Reddish-brown, brownish-orange, honey-yellow. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal System: Dodecahedral/Trapezohedral, Isometric. Specific Gravity: 3.6-4.3.

Formation & geological history

Formed under high temperature and metamorphic or igneous conditions, commonly found in contact metamorphic rocks, skarns, and pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Faceting gemstone for fine jewelry, birthstone (January), industrial abrasives when non-gem grade, and mineral specimen collecting.

Geological facts

Garnet is a complex group of minerals that come in almost every color except blue (with rare exceptions). The orange-brown varieties like Hessonite have been used in jewelry since antiquity.

Field identification & locations

Look for rounded dodecahedral crystal habits, high hardness, resinous to vitreous luster, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in stream placers and metamorphic schist deposits.

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