mineral
Red garnet crystal (probable almandine)
Garnet group; likely almandine, Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall dark red, translucent crystal with vitreous luster and conchoidal-to-uneven fracture; garnet is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, cubic/isometric, with no cleavage and relatively high density (about 3.9–4.3).
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Physical properties
Small dark red, translucent crystal with vitreous luster and conchoidal-to-uneven fracture; garnet is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, cubic/isometric, with no cleavage and relatively high density (about 3.9–4.3).
Formation & geological history
Garnets commonly form during medium- to high-grade metamorphism of aluminous rocks, though some occur in igneous rocks and sediments; their ages range from ancient Precambrian to much younger geological settings.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality garnet is cut for jewelry; lesser material is used as an abrasive and waterjet medium. This irregular fragment is more likely a specimen than a finished gemstone.
Geological facts
The deep wine-red color strongly suggests almandine or pyrope, but image identification cannot reliably distinguish garnet from red glass, ruby, or other minerals without tests.
Field identification & locations
Look for a hard, glassy, cleavage-free grain and commonly dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystal faces; a streak test, hardness test, loupe examination, and refractive-index or specific-gravity measurement can confirm it. Common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, Africa, and the United States.
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