Mineral Species: Garnet var. Spessartine 

Chemical Formula: Mn3Al2(SiO4)3

Chemical Name: Manganese Aluminium Silicate

Mineral Class: Nesosilicate

Mineral Notes: Spessartine is a mineral from the Garnet familiy of Neosilicates. Garnets are some of the most common minerals but also some of the most beautiful. Some varieties are important as gem stones whilst others have been used to coat abrasive papers because of their hardness and good cutting properties. Spessartine is characterised by its deep red-brown colouration and is often found in metamorphic rocks. 

Description: A very-well formed, deep red Spessartine garnet on a matrix of white Quartz. The crystal is very transparent, giving the garnet a very gemmy appearance.

Location: Daimer, Chilas, Gilgit, Pakistan.