Mineral in Igneous Rock

Spessartine Garnet in Quartz/Feldspar Pegmatite

Spessartine (Mn3Al2(SiO4)3) in Quartz (SiO2) and Feldspar

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Garnet), Color: Orange to reddish-brown, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Isometric (dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals common), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 4.19

Hardness: 6

Identified June 9, 2026More mineral in igneous rock →

Explore Spessartine Garnet in Quartz/Feldspar Pegmatite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in granite pegmatites, allied rock types, and in certain low grade regional metamorphic phyllites.

Uses & applications

Often used as a gemstone when flawless and of good color. Also a collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Spessartine is the manganese aluminum garnet. It is named after Spessart in Bavaria, Germany, the type locality.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive orange color, isometric crystal habits, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in pegmatite deposits worldwide, such as in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA (California, Virginia).