Garnets are a group of silicate minerals known for their vibrant colors and crystal structures. They are commonly used as gemstones in jewelry and can be found in shades of red, green, yellow, and even blue. The most well-known type is the almandine garnet, which is typically deep red. Garnets are also used in industrial applications, such as abrasives and water filtration. These minerals form in a variety of geological environments, often in metamorphic rocks. Garnets are characterized by their dodecahedral crystal shape and can be identified by their hardness, which ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Their unique properties make them valuable both as decorative stones and in various industrial uses.