Garnets are a family of silicate minerals that come in a wide variety of colors, although shades of red are the most common. Their chemical composition varies, but garnets are distinguished by a common crystalline structure, belonging to the cubic system. Popular varieties include almandine (red), pyrope (red to violet), spessartine (orange to reddish-brown), and andradite (yellow to green).
Garnet density generally varies between 3.5 and 4.3 g/cm³, depending on chemical composition. They have a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them scratch-resistant and suitable for use in jewelry. These minerals are appreciated for their wide range of colors, from deep reds to luminous greens, yellows and oranges.
