Red Almandine Garnet
$24.95
Item number:
2
Red Almandine Garnet
Red Almandine Garnet is a highly durable, iron-aluminum silicate mineral (chemical formula Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂) renowned for its rich, deep crimson and purplish-red hues. As the most common type of garnet, it is incredibly resilient for everyday wear.
Key Gemstone Characteristics
- Color: Ranges from deep red to dark brownish-red and purplish-red. Transparent gem-quality stones are prized for their brilliance and inner "fire," while opaque stones are sometimes cut en cabochon as "carbuncles".
- Hardness: Scores 7.0 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it highly resistant to scratching.
- Durability: Features no cleavage, meaning it is physically tough and less prone to chipping.
- Origin: Widely found in metamorphic rocks globally, with major commercial sources located in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and parts of Africa, as well as Mozambique.
History and Lore
Almandine is named after Alabanda, an ancient city in Asia Minor where these stones werehistorically cut and traded. It is one of the traditional birthstones for January and is often associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius. Historically, it was used as a protective talisman by warriors and travelers to bring courage and defend against harm.