The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones
“Garnet is a group of structurally and chemically related mineral species that crystallize in the cubic system. This system has the highest symmetry, and crystals can take the form of a cube, octahedron or pentagonal dodecahedron; spherical crystals also exist. Garnet has a citreous, glasslike luster. It is possible to find star garnets, which have a red/purple color with faint four- or six-rayed stars that are much fainter than those on a star ruby or sapphire,”
- The Jeweler’s Directory of Gemstones by Judith Crowe