Granada — Rolado

Garnet is a group of silicates with the general formula X₃Y₂(SiO₄)₃, where the X and Y positions are occupied by different metallic cations — calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, aluminum and chromium — depending on the specific variety. It forms predominantly in medium to high-grade metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses, in igneous rocks such as pegmatites and kimberlites, and in skarns resulting from contact metasomatism between igneous intrusions and carbonate rocks. The color varies between red, orange, pink, green, yellow and black, determined by the specific chemical composition of each variety. The characteristic red of the most common variety — almandine (Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃) — results from the presence of iron (Fe²⁺) in the crystalline structure. The mechanical rolling process progressively rounds the ends and corners of the pieces, resulting in a smoothed external profile that enhances the color and glassy shine characteristic of the species. Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Density: 3.5 to 4.3 g/cm³. Crystalline system: cubic. Available variations, approximate data: Unit weight: up to 7 g (approx.) Average: 250 pieces per kg (approx.)