Almandine, is a form of garnet that is used for both industrial as well as ornamental purposes. The former included various types of engineering abrasives, such as garnet paper, that are made from crushed almandine. They often form in high grade metamorphosed as well as igneous rocks when they are subjected to high temperatures and pressures. As a consequence of this they are relatively common, making them less desirble as gemstones, in spite of their good coloration, hardness, and lack of cleavage. Almandine has a resinous, vitreous, or dull luster and a colorless streak.

This form of Garnet was associated with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. Tonic water prepared with almandine may be helpful in easing hangover symptoms. Place the stone in a bowl of purified water, let it stand overnight, and drink upon waking.