Garnets in Biotite

Specimens of almandine garnets within a matrix of biotite mica from Agder, Norway. Almandine garnets are a popular and most common variety of garnet crystals, often sought after because of their deep red colour, they often are found within metamorphic rocks, most commonly, mica schists. The name is derived from old English terminology ‘garnet’ which means ‘dark red’ and allusion to the crystals deep colouration. The crystals often form as rhombic dodecahedrons, although sometimes poor quality specimens may exhibit cubic shapes, and rank at 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, as such, one of the main industrial uses for almandine garnets is as an abrasive. It also has many uses as a gemstone, the hardness couples with the deep red colour make it an excellent contrasting mineral when set along with brighter colours. These particular garnets have formed within a matrix of biotite mica, this has given these pieces an attractive aesthetic as the deep red of the garnets contrasts beautifully against the black of the mica. Specimens are available in multiple sizes and come supplied in a white card tray with an information label.