This is the "precious" garnet, or almandine, sometimes called the "Oriental" garnet; these stones are found in Great Britain, India, and South America, and are deep red and transparent, of vitreous lustre.
"The Chemistry, Properties and Tests of Precious Stones"
John Mastin
The perfect qualities, or almandine, as described above, are favourite stones with jewellers, who mount great quantities of them.
"The Chemistry, Properties and Tests of Precious Stones"
John Mastin
At dawn and sunset the same rocks array themselves with a celestial robe of rainbow-woven hues: islands, sea, and mountains, far and near, burn with saffron, violet, and rose, with the tints of beryl and topaz, sapphire and almandine and amethyst, each in due order and at proper distances.
"Sketches and Studies in Italy and Greece, Vol III."
John Symonds