Almandine

Fe3Al2(SiO4)3

This image displays a large, dark reddish-brown to purplish-red almandine garnet crystal, approximately 10.5 centimeters across, exhibiting a subhedral to anhedral form.

Almandine Physical Properties

Mohs Hardness

6.5

Crystal System

cubic

Luster

vitreous

Streak Color

white

Cleavage

none

Fracture

conchoidal

Specific Gravity

Colors

deep red, reddish-brown, purplish-red

Transparency

translucent

Type Locality

North Creek area, New York State, USA

Mineral Group

Silicates

Uses

jewelry, abrasive, collector

Associated Minerals

quartz, feldspar, mica, staurolite, kyanite

Rarity

common

Geological Context

Almandine typically forms in metamorphic rocks like mica schists, gneisses, and amphibolites under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. This specimen originates from the Precambrian metamorphic terrains of New York State.

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