Definition

1. Noun:
   • A deep red garnet consisting of iron aluminum silicate: "Almandine" is a type of mineral, specifically a garnet, known for its characteristic deep red to reddish-brown color. It is a silicate of iron and aluminum.
   • A purple variety of the ruby spinel: In a broader or sometimes commercial context, "almandine" can also refer to a purple-colored variety of the gemstone spinel.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The jeweler showed her a ring set with a fine almandine. (The jeweler showed her a ring set with a fine deep red garnet.)
  • This specimen is identified as almandine due to its chemical composition and color. (This specimen is identified as iron aluminum silicate garnet due to its chemical composition and color.)

Advanced Usage

• In gemology: The term is used precisely to distinguish this specific type of garnet from others like pyrope or spessartine.
  • Almandine is often referred to as "precious garnet" in the gem trade.
• In mineralogy: Used to describe the specific end-member of the garnet solid solution series.
  • The crystal's properties were consistent with those of almandine.

Variants and Related Words

• Almandine garnet: A more descriptive term commonly used, especially in gemology.
  • She preferred the rich color of almandine garnet.
• Almandite: A synonym for almandine, used primarily in mineralogical contexts.

Synonyms

• Almandite (n): A synonym for the iron aluminum silicate garnet.
• Precious garnet (n): A commercial term sometimes used for gem-quality almandine.

Related Phrases / Terms

• Garnet group: The broader family of silicate minerals to which almandine belongs.
  • Almandine is the most common member of the garnet group.
• Iron-aluminum garnet: A descriptive term highlighting its chemical composition.

Noun

1. a deep red garnet consisting of iron aluminum silicate
2. a purple variety of the ruby spinel