Almandine (garnet)

Appearance:

Red with a violet tint

Common confusions......

Pyrope (garnet)

Esoteric beliefs and associations...

With strong red colouration, it is known for physical protection and strength in battle or conflict, along with improved health, courage and passion. In folk lore, the obvious association of this stone with human blood led to it being used as a health-aid in cases of anaemia.

Physical properties...

Chemistry	Iron aluminium silicate
System/Structure	Isometric (rhombic, dodecahedron, icositetrahedron)
Refractive Index	1.780 - 1.810
Specific Gravity	3.95 - 4.20
Mohs' Hardness	7.5