Slices of raw Almandine Garnet from Brazil: flat sections revealing the interior of the crystal with its characteristic reddish translucency.
Item Details
| Mineral |
Almandine Garnet (iron and aluminum silicate; garnet series) |
| Dimensions |
39×27 mm · 27×27 mm · 26×26 mm · 21×24 mm · 32×27 mm depending on variant (approximate thickness 4-6 mm; tolerance ±0.5 mm) |
| Shape and Back |
Flat slice; two polished faces, natural fracture edges |
| Finish |
Mirror polished faces; rough edges with natural conchoidal fracture |
| Hardness |
7–7.5 Mohs — we recommend a closed bezel setting to protect the fracture edges |
| Origin |
Brazil (world's leading producer of Almandine Garnet) |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item Type |
Unique piece: each slice is an unrepeatable section of the original crystal |
This specific piece
The slices in this lot come from coarse-grained Almandine crystals, allowing the characteristic optical isotropy of the isometric system to be appreciated: under polarized light, the crystal shows complete extinction (non-birefringent), while under natural transmitted light, the hue varies from vibrant red in the thinner edges to dark red, almost black, in the thicker center.
The combination of polished faces and natural fracture edges is a deliberate lapidary decision: the conchoidal fracture of garnet leaves surfaces with a vitreous luster that visually contrasts with the mirror polish of the faces.
How Almandine Garnet forms
Almandine (Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃) crystallizes in the isometric system during episodes of medium to high-grade regional metamorphism, typically in schists and gneisses.
What setting it works for
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Freeform bezel in 925 silver or brass — the irregular shape of the edges requires a custom-made bezel; the hardness of 7–7.5 Mohs withstands the bezel closing process well. The deep red contrasts particularly well with oxidized silver.
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Claw pendant or silver pin — a silver claw gripping the slice by its fracture edges, or a pin passed through a discrete perforation, allows the piece to be hung while preserving the visibility of the rough edges.
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Wire wrap over natural edges — silver or copper wire can be wrapped, taking advantage of the irregularities of the fracture edges; the hardness of the garnet ensures that the wire does not scratch the polished face if working on the edges.
Almandine Garnet in lapidary tradition
Almandine garnet is one of the minerals with the longest documented lapidary history: its use in jewelry dates back at least to ancient Egypt (circa 3100 BC), and it was especially prized in Romano-Germanic goldsmithing of the 5th century AD — the cloisonné style with garnets set in gold cells is one of the most refined techniques of late ancient jewelry.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions.
How to recognize genuine Almandine Garnet
Authentic Almandine shows optical isotropy under crossed polarizers (total extinction, no interference colors), unlike most silicate minerals.
Frequently asked questions
Is the red color of these slices natural?
No detectable treatment. The red color is intrinsic to the composition of Almandine: ferrous iron in the isometric structure absorbs green and blue light and transmits red.
Can these slices be drilled for hanging?
Yes, with a 1–2 mm diamond drill bit. Almandine, with a hardness of 7–7.5 Mohs, requires low speed and continuous water cooling.
Are they suitable for conventional bezel setting?
The irregular fracture edges require a custom-made bezel, not a standard geometrically shaped bezel.
Are the dimensions exact?
Tolerance ±0.5 mm in length and width; thickness varies between 4 and 6 mm depending on the cutting position in the original crystal.
Are these slices translucent or opaque?
Translucent to semi-transparent: in sections 4–5 mm thick, the garnet transmits diffuse red light, especially in the thinner edges.
How to care for them?
Clean with a soft, damp cloth. No abrasive detergents or ultrasonics on the fracture edges.
See also: cabochon collection · garnet properties.
