Mineral Species: Garnet var. Almandine

Chemical Formula: Fe3Al2(SiO4)3

Chemical Name: Iron Aluminium Silicate

Mineral Class: Nesosilicate

Mineral Notes: Almandine Garrnet is a mineral from the garnet familiy of Nesosilicates. Garnets are some of the most common minerals but also some of the most beautiful. Some varieties are imprtant as gem stones whilst others have been used to coat abrasive papers because of their good cutting properties when very small. Almandine is characterised by its deep violet-red colouration and is often found in metamorphic rocks.

Description: A single large Almandine Garnet showing excellent crystal form. The surface colour is dark brown, but when lit from behind red edge-highlights can be seen. The garnet sits on a matrix of very attractive steel-like schist.

Location: Wrangell, Alaska, USA.