GARNET

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. All species of garnets possess similar physical properties and crystal forms, but differ in chemical composition. The different species are pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, uvarovite and andradite.



Mohs scale hardness: 6.5–7.5
Crystal habit: Rhombic dodecahedron or cubic
Crystal system: Isometric
Optical properties: Single refractive, often anomalous double refractive
Space group: Ia3d
Color: RED, GREEN
Other characteristics: variable magnetic attraction