Garnet
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that share similar crystal structures. While red garnets are most common, they occur in every color except blue.
Garnet properties at a glance
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | X3Y2(SiO4)3 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Crystal system | cubic |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 3.8 |
| Transparency | transparent |
| Common colors | Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Brown |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Forms in metamorphic rocks under high temperature and pressure, or in some igneous rocks.
Prized since the Bronze Age, garnets adorned Egyptian pharaohs and Anglo-Saxon kings.
How to identify Garnet
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Garnet examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Where Garnet is found
Garnet is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Garnet worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $10 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $100 |
| Premium specimen | $3000+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Abrasives
- Water filtration
Interesting facts
- The only common gemstone that doesn't occur in blue
- Used as abrasive in sandpaper and water jet cutting
- Noah allegedly used a garnet lantern on the Ark
Care & safety
Treat Garnet as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
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