Almandine

Introduction: Almandine is found as dodecahedrons crystals, a similarity with most garnets. It is often red but black crystals can occur. A hard mineral, almandine is used as cloth abrasives and sandpaper.

Distribution: Widespread in schists in the Karibib-Usakos-Swakopmund districts and in the Kuiseb schist belt. They also occur in the Husab Mountains and in the Gorob Mine region.

Composition: Silicate

Crystal system: Cubic

Lustre: Resinous, vitreous

Streak: White

Hardness: 7-7.5