Mali Garnet is a hybrid variety representing a solid solution between grossular and andradite garnets. It is highly prized by collectors and jewelers for its exceptional brilliance and dispersion, often exhibiting a unique yellow-green or lime color.

Hardness

6.5-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

gemstoneuncommonGarnet Group family

Mali Garnet

Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this mali garnet?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch mali garnet with a known reference. Mali Garnet sits at Mohs 6.5-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mali Garnet leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mali Garnet typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, green, brown, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Mali Garnet vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside mali garnet

Minerals reported to co-occur with mali garnet. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃(Fe,Al)₂(SiO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7.5
Density: 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Green Brown Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Gemstone, Collector, Jewelry
Host rock: Alluvial Deposits
Typical price: $20-200 per carat for high-quality facet grade material

Where rockhounds find mali garnet

Classic worldwide localities

Mali
Kayes Region

Field-hunting tip

Look in alluvial deposits country, the host setting where mali garnet typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, epidote in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mali garnet?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, green, brown, yellow-green.

Where is mali garnet found?+

Notable localities include Mali; Kayes Region.

How much is mali garnet worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per carat for high-quality facet grade material. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like mali garnet?+

Mali Garnet is most often confused with Grossularite Garnet, Andradite, Spessartine. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with mali garnet?+

Mali Garnet commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Calcite, Epidote. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mali garnet form in?+

Mali Garnet typically forms in alluvial deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mali garnet used for?+

Mali Garnet is used in gemstone, collector, jewelry.

Find mali garnet on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.