Almandine Garnet Gemstone Information

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Almandine garnet, also known as almandite, is a member of the diverse garnet family. Almandine is among the most common garnet varieties, though gem-quality stones have become quite rare on the global market over the past decade. Despite this, the price-per-carat for almandine has remained steady and affordable, similar to pyrope, another well-known red garnet variety. Although significant deposits of almandine are found worldwide, only a small portion of the mined material is of gem quality. Much of it is used as industrial abrasives due to lacking the clarity and transparency needed for jewelry.

The name "garnet" comes from the Latin word granatus, meaning grain, referring to the stone's frequent occurrence as small grains in host rock. Almandine itself can be found in shades ranging from brownish-red to orangey-red and purplish-red. These colors are influenced by natural trace elements, often resulting in hybrid garnets with traces of pyrope or spessartite. Almandine is popular in jewelry thanks to its high hardness (7.5 on the Mohs scale) and excellent brilliance due to a relatively high refractive index. The name "almandine" originates from “alabandicus,” describing a stone from the ancient town of Alabanda in Caria, Asia Minor.

For a complete overview of garnet gems, see our Garnet Gemstone Information page.

Identifying Almandine Garnet Almandine Garnet Origin Buying Almandine Garnet Almandine Garnet Gemological Properties Almandine Garnet Varieties Almandine Garnet Mythology Almandine Garnet Jewelry Almandine Garnet Gemstone Care

Almandine garnet can be sourced from many countries, including Brazil, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Smaller occurrences are found in Austria and the Czech Republic. India and the United States are especially known for producing star almandine garnets. In Sri Lanka, almandine is sometimes referred to as “Ceylon ruby.”

Color

Almandine garnet colors span from pure red and reddish-orange to slightly purplish-red and dark brownish-red. Its signature deep red tone is due to iron content. The pure, rich red stones are the most desirable and valued.

Clarity and Luster

Almandine garnet has a vitreous luster. Transparent to translucent specimens are considered gem-quality, though many are opaque and more suited for industrial use.

Cut and Shape

Almandine garnet is commonly cut en cabochon with rounded convex faces, sometimes known as carbuncles, an old name for red cabochon gems. Because of their darker color, large stones are rarely faceted, while small to medium gems are sometimes cut shallow to allow more light through. Star garnets, which show asterism when cabochon-cut, are also known from this variety. Almandine is available in various shapes and cuts including rounds, ovals, pears, hearts, trillions, and more.

Treatment

Like most garnets, almandine is not treated or enhanced in any way.

For a broader introduction to garnets, visit All About Garnet.

The garnet group is one of the most important families in gemstones, all sharing a similar crystal structure but with varying chemical compositions. Gemologists generally recognize six main garnet species: almandine, pyrope, spessartite, grossularite, uvarovite, and andradite. Almandine is the best known red variety, but hybrid garnets with blended compositions also exist and are common in the gem trade.

Popular Garnet Varieties and Trade Names:

Star garnet, pyrope, rhodolite, grossularite, tsavorite, demantoid, color-change garnet, and malaya garnet are some of the most well-known types.

Lesser-Known Garnet Varieties:

Hydrogrossular, andradite, mali garnet, melanite, topazolite, uvarovite drusy, hessonite, leuco garnet, and umbalite garnet are examples of rarer names in the trade.

Red cabochon garnets have traditionally symbolized friendship. In ancient lore, a wise person dreaming of an almandine was believed to soon discover solutions to life’s mysteries. Garnet is the birthstone for January and also associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius. Throughout history, garnet has been linked to planets like Mars, Mercury, and Pluto, with modern metaphysical practices reviving these associations.

For centuries, healers, shamans, and crystal practitioners have attributed garnet with benefits ranging from pain relief to enhanced vitality. Whether through a placebo effect or genuine power, garnet continues to be used for arthritis, varicose veins, and back pain. Generally, wearing garnet in direct contact with the skin is thought to be most effective.

Learn more about the traditional symbolism and spiritual properties of garnet in our Garnet Meaning and Powers article.

Almandine garnet is suitable for a wide range of jewelry styles, thanks to its excellent hardness, brilliance, and durability. It is commonly set in rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and pendants. Although most garnet varieties are affordable, there are rare types with high value. For red gemstone jewelry, almandine and pyrope garnets remain the most popular choices.

Note: Always buy colored gemstones by size rather than carat weight, since their weight-to-size ratios can vary greatly compared to diamonds.

Interested in unusual and rare garnets? See our guide on Rare Garnets.

For practical tips on selecting the right garnet, check out our Garnet Buying Guide.

Clean garnet gemstones with warm, mild soapy water and a soft cloth or brush if necessary. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm or room-temperature water to remove all soap residue. Avoid exposing garnets to extreme heat or sudden temperature changes, as these can cause fractures.

Most garnets can be safely cleaned with ultrasonic devices, except demantoid garnet, though caution is still recommended. Never steam-clean garnets, and avoid harsh chemicals like hydrofluoric acid, as these can cause damage.