Nesosilicate · Mohs 6.5–7.5
Garnet: Identification, Meaning & Care
Garnet is a group of related silicate minerals rather than a single species. Red almandine and pyrope are especially familiar.
Garnet properties
- Formula
- Silicate group
- Mineral group
- Nesosilicate
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7.5
- Color
- Red, orange, green, purple, brown, or black
- Transparency
- Transparent to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
- Cleavage / fracture
- None
How to identify Garnet
- Dodecahedral crystal forms are common in rough specimens.
- Color alone cannot identify the garnet species.
- Professional testing is needed for confident species separation.
Garnet care
Water
Warm soapy water is usually suitable; treatment and inclusions can change care needs.
Light & heat
Generally stable in normal display conditions.
Storage
Store separately from harder materials and cushion sharp edges, points, or cleavage-prone faces.
Traditional meaning
Garnet has long been used ornamentally and is associated with constancy and friendship in birthstone traditions.
Traditional symbolism is presented as cultural history or personal practice, not as a scientific or medical claim.
Sources & further checking
- Mindat mineral database
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia
- RRUFF mineral database
- International Mineralogical Association
See our full methodology.