mineral

Rough Garnet (Almandine)

Almandine Garnet (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7.0-7.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Deep brownish-red to dark red. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal Structure: Isometric/cubic (often dodecahedral). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3.

Hardness: 7
Color: Deep brownish-red to dark red
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in regional metamorphic rocks such as mica schists, gneisses, and amphibolites under medium to high pressure and temperature conditions.

Uses & applications

Used widely as an industrial abrasive (sandblasting, waterjet cutting), gemstone for jewelry when gem-grade, and as a popular collectible mineral specimen.

Geological facts

Garnet is the official birthstone for January. The name garnet comes from the Latin word 'granatus', meaning seed-like, referring to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds.

Field identification & locations

Look for rounded, equant crystal shapes with 12 or 24 sides in metamorphic host rock. Found in abundance in regions with ancient metamorphic belts like India, Madagascar, Brazil, and parts of the USA.