Where is Garnet in host rock found?
Garnet in host rock
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Open the appGarnet in host rock occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Garnet in host rock
Adirondack Mountains, New York, USA
Known for large almandine garnets in metamorphic rocks, particularly garnet amphibolites and gneisses.
Garnet Hill, Gore Mountain, New York, USA
Famous for exceptionally large almandine garnets (up to 30 cm) in amphibolite, historically mined for abrasives.
Bohemia, Czech Republic
Historically significant source of pyrope garnets in serpentinized peridotites and kimberlites.
Rajasthan, India
Produces almandine and pyrope garnets from metamorphic schists and gneisses.
Idaho, USA
Known for star garnets (almandine-pyrope solid solution) found in mica schists.
Norway
Various garnet species found in high-grade metamorphic rocks, including eclogites.
Madagascar
Source of various gem-quality garnets, including spessartine, grossular (tsavorite), and pyrope-almandine, often in metamorphic terrains.
Collecting tips
- Look for Metamorphic Terrains. Focus on areas with exposed metamorphic rocks, especially schists, gneisses, and amphibolites, which are common hosts for garnet.
- Identify Distinctive Crystal Shapes. Search for equant, often reddish-brown to black, dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals embedded in the rock matrix. Their distinct shape and color often contrast with the surrounding minerals.
- Check for Hardness. Garnets are relatively hard (6.5-7.5 on Mohs scale). You can test a crystal by attempting to scratch glass or a steel file (with caution, as this can damage the specimen).
- Examine Road Cuts and Stream Beds. Fresh exposures in road cuts or weathered rocks in stream beds can reveal garnet crystals that have been eroded from the surrounding matrix.
- Consult Geological Maps. Geological maps often indicate areas of metamorphic rock outcrops, which are prime locations for finding garnet-bearing rocks.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (red, brown, black, green, yellow, orange, pink) for the garnet crystals; host rock color varies.
- Luster:
- Vitreous to resinous for garnet crystals; host rock luster varies.
- Streak:
- White to colorless (for garnet minerals).
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