Main index --- Minerals list --- Jewelry index Garnet Garnet
Name:Garnet
Derivation:From "granatum" (Late Latin) pomegranate
Formula: (Mg,Fe,Mn,Ca)3Al2Si3O12
or Ca3(Cr,Fe)2Si3O12
Description: Translucent polyhedral crystal. The best known colour is a deep red, perhaps with a purple tinge, but they can be green, brown, yellow or black.

Garnet Garnet Garnets were known in Asia Minor in ancient times. They were not often used as engraved gems for signets, as the wax tends to stick to them in sealing.

Some garnet crystals are single, some clustered. There are several different types of garnets and some look like dull pebbles.

Garnet Garnets were called carbuncles by the ancients, although this was also used of other red stones, such as rubies. Carbuncle also means a large pimple on the face, or other inflamation. When the Prince of Wales described a modern building as a "monstrous carbuncle", I assume that he was not talking about a large garnet!

Some garnets look almost black, but if you hold them up to the light, you see a lovely deep red glint).

Larger pictures of Garnet:

Garnet is usually thought of as a deep red mineral, as in these two single crystals.

Garnet Garnet

These specimens are partly covered with mica.

Garnet Garnet

These specimens are polished. They are very dark, but the light shining through shows red.

Garnet Garnet

However, garnet can be green, as in this polished specimen.

Garnet

These are crystals in their natural matrix.

Garnet

Garnet




A cluster of crystals.

Garnet

Single opaque crystals.

Garnet Garnet

Grossular garnet.

Garnet