Surface features observed on the faces of synthetic garnets grown from lead oxide‐lead fluoride melts are described and interpreted in terms of growth processes. The growth processes involve (1) nucleation of new growth layers at corners and edges between crystal faces and (2) propagation of layers associated with growth systems located on the crystal faces. Growth systems on the faces of crystals that terminated growth at about 1000°C appear as growth hillocks. Continuing growth to lower temperatures produces large vicinal faces, which result from the propagation of polygonized growth steps associated with a single, dominant growth system. Growth steps on the vicinal faces in turn possess faces that are parallel to the nearest adjacent crystal faces. Growth spirals have been observed on the faces of crystals that were grown slowly by evaporation of flux. Several observations, including the presence of growth spirals, the nature and location of line imperfections and hollow tubes, and the etching behavior of crystal faces and polished sections, are interpreted as evidence in favor of a latter‐stage growth mechanism that involves the propagation of steps associated with screw dislocat