Product Description
Garnet Almandine w/ Biotite, Muscovite & Quartz in Matrix Specimen - select weight
Mined in NY, at Hooper Mine.
Almandine Garnet in matrix, alongside biotite, muscovite and quartz.
Mineral Information:
Garnet Almandine, also known simply as Almandine, is a type of garnet gemstone that belongs to the larger garnet family. It is one of the most common and widely recognized varieties of garnet. Almandine garnets are known for their deep red to reddish-brown color, often resembling the color of pomegranate seeds.
Almandine garnets have a rich history and have been used as gemstones for thousands of years. They are valued for their vibrant color, excellent hardness, and overall durability. Almandine garnets are typically transparent to translucent and are often faceted to showcase their brilliance and color.
Metaphysical Meaning:
Garnet Almandine is believed to be an excellent stone for grounding and stability. It helps people connect to the energy of the Earth and feel a firm rock of stability and security. Garnet is affiliated with passion and love, and is believed to inspire the heart chakra to promote feelings of love and compassion. Almandine is associated with courage and willpower, it is a stone of action, drive, and motivation.
Mineral Care:
Garnet Almandine, like other garnet gemstones, is relatively durable and has good resistance to scratching and breaking. However, it is important to handle and care for it properly to avoid any potential damage. Here are some factors to consider regarding the fragility of garnet Almandine:
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Hardness: Garnet Almandine has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is moderately hard. While this makes it less susceptible to scratching compared to softer gemstones, it is still possible to scratch or abrade the surface with harder materials. It is best to avoid contact with other gemstones or objects with higher hardness, such as diamond or corundum.
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Cleavage: Garnet Almandine has no distinct cleavage planes, which means it does not have natural planes of weakness that would cause it to easily break along certain directions. This makes it relatively resistant to cleavage-related fractures. However, it is not entirely immune to fracturing if subjected to significant force or impact.
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Toughness: Garnet Almandine has good toughness, meaning it can withstand certain impacts or rough handling without breaking. However, it is still recommended to handle it with care and avoid exposing it to excessive force or sudden impacts that could potentially cause fractures or chips.
To protect your garnet Almandine and minimize the risk of damage, here are some general guidelines:
- Avoid exposing it to extreme temperature changes, as this can potentially cause thermal shock and lead to fractures.
- Store it separately from other gemstones or jewelry pieces to prevent scratching or accidental impacts.
- Clean it gently using mild soap and warm water, avoiding harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning methods.
- Consider removing your garnet Almandine jewelry before engaging in activities that may expose it to rough contact, such as sports or heavy manual work.
Overall, while garnet Almandine is relatively durable, it is still important to handle it with care and take appropriate precautions to preserve its beauty and integrity.
Disclaimer:
No information here is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ailments or afflictions of any kind. One should always consult a medical professional if a serious issue presents itself.