Gemstone profile and identification guide
Almandine
Almandine is the iron-rich red garnet species commonly used in faceted and cabochon jewellery.
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Overview
Almandine is the iron-rich red garnet species commonly used in faceted and cabochon jewellery.
Did you know? Almandine has been a staple red gemstone in European jewellery since medieval times.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Almandine
Scientific classification: Silicate (Garnet Group: Almandine)
Hardness: 7.5 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Red
Secondary colour: Reddish Brown
Colour family: Reds
High SG, cubic isotropic behavior, and deep red body colour are primary almandine indicators.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Iron aluminum silicate [Fe3Al2(SiO4)3]
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, United States (Idaho)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Dark red to reddish-brown garnet, often with high saturation in faceted gems.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Almandine
Mineral group: Garnet group
Chemical formula: Iron aluminum silicate [Fe3Al2(SiO4)3]
Mohs hardness: 7.5
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.95-4.32
Refractive index: 1.760-1.830
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Red, violet-red, reddish-brown
Common inclusions: Crystals, needles, fingerprints, growth zoning
Geological environment: Metamorphic schists, gneisses, and placers
Principal mining regions: India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Brazil, United States (Idaho)
Important commercial sources: Commercial almandine rough is widely supplied from India and Sri Lanka with additional production in Madagascar and Brazil
Historical significance: Historically important red gem in Europe and Asia.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic garnet-type imitations are common.
Common look-alikes: Pyrope, rhodolite, spinel
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted jewellery, beads, and collector garnet suites.
Care recommendations: Durable for most jewellery; avoid severe impact and abrasive storage with harder stones.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Almandine.
Formation
Forms in medium- to high-grade metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits derived from them.
Origin
Commercial almandine rough is widely supplied from India and Sri Lanka with additional production in Madagascar and Brazil
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted jewellery, beads, and collector garnet suites.
Ideal uses: Rings, pendants, and calibrated faceted jewellery stones.
Care
Durable for most jewellery; avoid severe impact and abrasive storage with harder stones.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Almandine FAQ
How can I identify Almandine?
Compare hardness (7.5 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Almandine appear in?
Dark red to reddish-brown garnet, often with high saturation in faceted gems.
Where is Almandine commonly used?
Rings, pendants, and calibrated faceted jewellery stones.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.