mineral

Red-brown garnet in quartz (likely almandine garnet)

Almandine, Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃, associated with quartz, SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, rough specimen with reddish-brown garnet-like crystals on translucent to whitish quartz. Garnet hardness 6.5–7.5 Mohs; quartz 7; garnet commonly forms isometric crystals and has no cleavage, while quartz has a vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture.

Identified September 29, 2026More mineral →

Explore Red-brown garnet in quartz (likely almandine garnet) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnet-bearing metamorphic rocks form when aluminum-rich sediments are altered by heat and pressure, commonly during regional metamorphism. Such rocks may be hundreds of millions to billions of years old; this specimen’s exact age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Garnet is used as an abrasive and, when clear and attractive, as a gemstone; quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, and decorative material. This small rough piece is primarily a collector specimen.

Geological facts

Almandine is the most common garnet species and often appears deep red to brown-red.

Field identification & locations

Look for dense, glassy red crystals, often with rounded or dodecahedral forms, embedded in a lighter matrix; confirmatory identification requires tests or analysis. Garnet-bearing metamorphic rocks occur worldwide, including in India, Sri Lanka, the United States, and Scandinavia.