Almandine Garnet Crystal China Natural Red Mineral Specimen 10-20mm

Almandine Garnet – Natural Mineral Specimen from China (10–20mm)

This Almandine Garnet specimen from China is a genuine natural mineral crystal, selected for its rich colour, defined crystal habit, and collector appeal. Measuring approximately 10–20mm (full sizing please see photo), each piece is carefully chosen for quality and presentation. The photograph provided shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive. Every crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine mineral specimen.

Mineral Species & Chemical Composition

Almandine is a member of the garnet group and is classified as an iron-aluminium silicate with the chemical formula:

Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

It belongs to the nesosilicate subclass of minerals and crystallises in the isometric (cubic) crystal system. Garnets are well known for forming symmetrical and equidimensional crystals, often displaying:

• Dodecahedral (12-sided) crystal forms

• Trapezohedral (24-sided) crystal shapes

• Rounded or partially embedded growth structures

Almandine has a hardness of 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable mineral suitable for long-term display and handling within a collection.

Colour, Lustre & Natural Characteristics

Almandine garnet is prized for its deep red colouration, which can range from:

• Dark crimson

• Wine red

• Reddish-brown

• Garnet red with subtle purple undertones

These crystals typically exhibit a vitreous (glass-like) lustre and may show translucent edges when held against light. Depending on thickness and internal structure, some specimens may reveal internal inclusions or subtle zoning that reflects their geological formation process.

Each 10–20mm crystal is unique in surface texture, growth form, and colour intensity, shaped naturally over geological timescales.

Geological Formation & Chinese Localities

China is a significant source of garnet minerals, with almandine commonly occurring in metamorphic rock environments. These garnets form under conditions of high temperature and pressure during regional metamorphism, often within:

• Schist

• Gneiss

• Metamorphosed sedimentary formations

During metamorphism, iron- and aluminium-rich minerals recrystallise to form garnet crystals within the host rock. Over time, weathering and erosion may release these crystals, allowing them to be collected as individual mineral specimens.

Chinese almandine garnets are valued for their strong colour saturation and well-formed crystal shapes, making them popular among mineral collectors worldwide.

Size, Presentation & Authenticity

• Mineral: Almandine Garnet

• Chemical Formula: Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

• Crystal System: Isometric (Cubic)

• Origin: China

• Size: Approximately 10–20mm (please refer to photo for full sizing reference)

• Authenticity: Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card

Each crystal is carefully chosen and securely packaged to ensure safe delivery. Its compact size makes it ideal for collector display boxes, educational study sets, mineral cabinets, or as a thoughtful natural history gift.

Collecting & Traditional Associations

Almandine garnet has been admired and collected for centuries due to its striking natural colour and symmetrical crystal growth. It is one of the most widely recognised garnet species in mineralogy.

In spiritual traditions, garnet is traditionally associated with energy and vitality; these associations are cultural rather than scientific. From a geological and collector perspective, the true value of this specimen lies in its natural formation, crystal symmetry, and mineralogical significance.

A genuine Almandine Garnet crystal from China, offering classic garnet form and rich natural colour in a collectible 10–20mm size.