Description
Almandine Garnet – Fauske, Nordland Fylke, Norway (10–20mm)
This Almandine Garnet specimen from Fauske, Nordland Fylke, Norway is a genuine natural mineral crystal, carefully selected for its rich colour, classic garnet form, and collector appeal. Measuring approximately 10–20mm (full sizing please see photo), each piece is a carefully chosen specimen, with the photograph provided showing an example of the actual crystal you will receive. Every mineral includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine specimen from this renowned Norwegian locality.
Mineral Species & Chemical Composition
Almandine is an iron-aluminium garnet with the chemical formula:
Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃
It belongs to the garnet group of nesosilicate minerals, known for their durable crystal structure and distinctive natural growth forms. Garnets crystallise in the isometric (cubic) crystal system, producing well-shaped crystals with symmetrical geometry.
Almandine commonly forms:
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Dodecahedral crystals (12-sided)
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Trapezohedral crystals (24-sided)
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Rounded or partially embedded crystal faces in matrix
With a hardness of 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, almandine garnet is a robust mineral, making it excellent for both display and long-term collecting.
Colour, Transparency & Natural Features
Almandine garnet is prized for its deep, classic garnet tones. These Norwegian specimens often show:
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Dark red to reddish-brown colouration
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Subtle wine or burgundy hues in strong light
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Vitreous (glass-like) lustre on crystal faces
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Transparent to translucent edges depending on thickness
Natural surface textures, minor inclusions, or growth patterns are typical and reflect the crystal’s geological formation history. Each piece is unique, shaped over millions of years within metamorphic environments.
Geological Origin – Fauske, Nordland, Norway
Fauske, located in Nordland County in northern Norway, is a well-known mineral locality, particularly associated with high-quality garnets formed in metamorphic rocks. The region contains complex geological formations shaped by intense heat and pressure during mountain-building events.
Almandine garnets in this area typically form within:
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Schists
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Gneisses
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Metamorphosed sedimentary rocks
These crystals developed as aluminium- and iron-rich minerals recrystallised under metamorphic conditions, producing the strong, symmetrical garnet forms collectors admire.
Norwegian garnets are valued for their locality significance, clean crystal habits, and classic mineralogical representation of garnet-group formation.
Size, Presentation & Authenticity
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Mineral: Almandine Garnet
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Crystal System: Isometric (Cubic)
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Origin: Fauske, Nordland Fylke, Norway
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Size: Approximately 10–20mm (please refer to photo for full sizing reference)
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Authenticity: Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
This specimen is ideal for mineral collectors, garnet enthusiasts, educational study, or as a unique natural history gift. The compact size makes it perfect for display cases, collector boxes, or curated locality collections.
Collecting & Traditional Associations
Garnets have been collected since antiquity for their striking colour and durable crystal structure. Almandine remains one of the most recognised garnet species, appreciated both in mineral collections and as a classic example of metamorphic mineral growth.
In spiritual traditions, garnet is sometimes traditionally associated with strength and passion; these interpretations are cultural rather than scientific. From a geological perspective, the true appeal of this specimen lies in its natural crystal symmetry, Norwegian origin, and mineralogical significance.
A genuine Almandine Garnet crystal from Fauske, Norway, offering classic garnet form and rich colour in a collectible 10–20mm size.





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