gemstone

Tumbled garnet (likely almandine)

Almandine garnet, iron-aluminum nesosilicate (Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished, dark red-brown translucent stone with vitreous luster; garnet is typically Mohs 6.5–7.5, cubic crystal system, and lacks cleavage. The image is insufficient for definitive species identification.

Identified August 27, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Garnets form mainly in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss, or in igneous and placer deposits; many formed during Paleozoic–Precambrian metamorphic events. Common sources include India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive and as an inexpensive gemstone for cabochons, beads, and tumbled stones; almandine is valued for its deep wine-red color.

Geological facts

Garnet is a mineral group rather than one species, and its crystals commonly form distinctive dodecahedra. A refractive-index or specific-gravity test is needed to separate it confidently from glass, spinel, or dark quartz.

Field identification & locations

Look for uniform body color, vitreous shine, strong durability, and absence of bubbles or flow lines; inspect with magnification for natural inclusions. A hardness or gemological test is recommended.