mineral

Pink Garnet (likely Almandine or Rhodolite)

Garnet Group (Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 to Mg3Al2(SiO4)3)

Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5; Color: Pinkish-red to deep purple-red; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 3.5 - 4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Pinkish-red to deep purple-red
Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous

Identified April 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5; Color: Pinkish-red to deep purple-red; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 3.5 - 4.3

Formation & geological history

Formed through high-pressure and high-temperature metamorphism of aluminous sedimentary rocks (like shale) or in igneous rocks like pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone in jewelry; industrial garnets are used as abrasives for waterjet cutting and sandblasting.

Geological facts

Garnets are the birthstone for January. They have been used for millennia, with ancient Egyptian pharaohs wearing necklaces of red garnets. They are unusual because they do not have a cleavage plane, making them very durable for jewelry.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its dodecahedral (12-sided) crystal habit (when present), high hardness, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in metamorphic schists and river gravels as alluvial deposits.

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