Garnet
“The metamorphic gemstone family”
Mineral
Garnet is actually a group of closely related silicate minerals that come in nearly every color except blue. They're among the most important indicator minerals in geology, helping scientists determine the temperature and pressure conditions under which rocks formed.
Composition
garnet group: almandine, pyrope, grossular, andradite, spessartine, uvarovite
Where Found
India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Bohemia (Czech Republic), Idaho (USA), Tanzania
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7.5
Fun Fact
Garnet sand is used as an abrasive in waterjet cutting machines powerful enough to slice through steel.
Test Your Knowledge
Why are garnets particularly useful as 'index minerals' in metamorphic petrology?
Related Specimens
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