gemstone

Red garnet bead

Likely almandine–pyrope garnet, garnet-group silicate (approximately Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂–Mg₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished, rounded dark-red translucent bead with vitreous luster; garnet is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, cubic/isometric, without cleavage, and relatively dense (SG about 3.5–4.3). The photograph is too blurred to confirm inclusions or composition.

Identified August 25, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets form in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, or in some igneous rocks and alluvial gravels; geological ages vary widely. This is a human-shaped/polished specimen rather than an intact natural crystal.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, beads, abrasives, and collecting. A common small bead is usually worth about $2–$15; fine transparent natural garnet may be substantially more.

Geological facts

Red garnets are commonly almandine or pyrope; color alone cannot reliably distinguish them. The spherical shape and surface shine strongly suggest a drilled jewelry bead.

Field identification & locations

Check for a drill hole, glassy luster, lack of cleavage, and high density; garnet should resist scratching by steel but not by quartz. Near 36.6°N, 31.8°E in southern Turkey, garnet-bearing metamorphic rocks and alluvial material are plausible, though the object is most likely jewelry material.