Almandine
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameAlmandine
Chemical FormulaFe3Al2(SiO4)3
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity4
Colorsdeep red, reddish-purple, brownish-red
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityIndia
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, abrasives, collector's item
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, mica, staurolite, kyanite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A faceted oval-cut almandine garnet, displaying a deep red to reddish-purple hue with brilliant internal reflections from its facets.
Geological Context
Almandine typically forms in metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses, often under high-pressure and moderate-to-high temperature conditions. It can also be found in some igneous rocks.
