mineral
Spessartine Garnet
Manganese aluminum silicate, Mn3Al2(SiO4)3
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, deep orange-red to reddish-brown color, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, deep orange-red to reddish-brown color, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in granitic pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, and occasionally in carbonatites through high-temperature regional and contact metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone in fine jewelry and as an industrial abrasive in sandblasting.
Geological facts
Spessartine is the manganese-rich member of the garnet group and was first named after the Spessart region in Germany.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive orange-red hue, high refractive index, and isometric crystal habits; commonly sourced from Namibia, Brazil, and the USA.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous