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Garnet facts for kids

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Garnet
GarnetCrystalUSGOV.jpg
General
Category Nesosilicate
Formula
(repeating unit)
The general formula X3Y2(SiO4)3
Identification
Color virtually all colors, blue very rare
Crystal habit Rhombic dodecahedron or cubic
Cleavage Indistinct
Fracture conchoidal to uneven
Mohs scale hardness 6.5–7.5
Luster vitreous to resinous
Streak White
Specific gravity 3.1–4.3
Polish luster vitreous to subadamantine
Optical properties Single refractive, often anomalous double refractive
Refractive index 1.72–1.94
Birefringence None
Pleochroism None
Ultraviolet fluorescence variable
Other characteristics variable magnetic attraction
Major varieties
Pyrope Mg3Al2Si3O12
Almandine Fe3Al2Si3O12
Spessartine Mn3Al2Si3O12
Andradite Ca3Fe2Si3O12
Grossular Ca3Al2Si3O12
Uvarovite Ca3Cr2Si3O12

A garnet is one kind of silicate mineral. There are many different kinds of garnets, containing different metals. Crystals of garnet are often large and pretty. Their most common color is red or purple, but they can be found in almost all colors and are often used in jewelry. Garnet is the birthstone for people born in the month of January.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Granate (mineral) para niños

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