Garnet

Real mineral · uncommon · X₃Y₂(SiO₄)₃

A silicate mineral group spanning a wide range of compositions and colours. Forms primarily in metamorphic rocks under moderate to high pressure. Used as an abrasive due to its hardness and lack of cleavage.

Identity

Formula
X₃Y₂(SiO₄)₃
Chemical class
silicate
Mineral group
Demantoid, Grossular, Spessartine, Tsavorite, Uvarovite
Also known as
Almandine (common red variety), Pyrope, Hessonite, Tsavorite

Crystallography

Crystal system
cubic
Habits
dodecahedral, cubic, massive
Fracture
conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness
7
Density
3.9 g/cm³
Luster
vitreous, resinous
Colors
red, garnet-red, orange, yellow, green, brown, black
Streak
white
Transparency
transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins
metamorphic, igneous
Host rocks
schist, gneiss, granite, kimberlite
Associated minerals
Quartz, feldspar, Mica, Kyanite
Geography
India, Brazil, USA, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka

Classification

Rarity
uncommon
Gem quality
Yes

Arcane properties

Affinity
fire, earth
Effects
elemental fire, warding
Planar origin
Material Plane

Browse the Crystal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox