Garnet, the birthstone of January, is loved by many people for its cheap price and red color close to ruby. When buying garnet jewelry, how can you avoid buying fake gemstones? In this article, we will talk about garnet characteristics and how to test if a garnet is real, so as to help you buy real garnet jewelry.
Table of Contents
What is a garnet gemstone?
Garnet is an ancient gemstone that originated from the early activities of the earth. Its name comes from the Latin word “Granatus”, which means “seed-like”. Garnet is a silicate mineral with multiple subspecies due to differences in chemical composition. The most common garnet color is dark red. Many people compare garnet vs ruby color to compare the colors of the two precious stones and find that they are very similar. Garnet Mohs scale is 6.5 to 7.5, with high durability, suitable for daily wear accessories such as rings, necklaces and earrings.
What are garnets made of? How is a garnet formed?
Currently, the garnets sold on the market are mainly natural genuine garnet gemstones, but there are also a few lab created synthetic garnets. Garnet is a silicate mineral, mainly composed of silicon, oxygen and other metal elements.
Natural garnets are mainly formed during metamorphism and igneous processes, which require a high temperature and high pressure geological environment. Laboratory-synthesized artificial garnets are mainly produced through Flame Fusion or Verneuil Process and Hydrothermal Process to produce garnet crystal gemstones. The garnet gemstones produced in this way are not only of high purity, but also have controllable color depth and are larger in size than natural ones.
What does a garnet mean?
Symbolism and Meaning of Garnet Gemstone
Love and Fidelity: Garnet is considered a symbol of love and passion due to its deep red color. It symbolizes loyalty, everlasting affection and stability of relationship and is often used as a token of love between lovers.
Strength and Courage: Garnet is believed to bring strength and courage, helping the wearer maintain confidence and determination in difficult situations.
Protection and Peace: Ancient warriors often wore garnet as amulets, believing that it could ward off danger and protect themselves from harm.
Spiritual and Energy Meaning of Garnet
Boost Energy: Garnet is believed to activate the wearer’s vitality, enhance vitality and motivation. It helps to dispel negative energy and stimulate the flow of positive energy.
Balance Emotions: This gem helps relieve stress and anxiety, and promote inner peace and focus.
Enhance Creativity: Garnet is regarded as a gem that inspires creativity, especially for artists or people who need inspiration, helping to inspire creative inspiration.
What color is garnet stone?
The colors of garnet gemstone vary depending on the garnet stone types. Different kinds of garnets have their own unique different garnet colors.
Red Garnet: Garnets such as Pyrope Garnet are usually deep red and are the most well-known and representative garnets.
Green Garnet: Green garnets are represented by Tsavorite Garnet and Demantoid Garnet (most valuable two garnets). Their high refractive index shows bright green, similar to jade, and are widely used in high-end jewelry.
Orange and Yellow Garnet: Hessonite Garnet and Spessartine Garnet show warm orange and orange-yellow respectively, with bright colors and a warm feeling.
Purple and Pink Garnet: Rhodolite Garnet, Star Garnet and Malaya Garnet show purple-red and pink-orange respectively, with a romantic atmosphere.
Brown and Black Garnet: Rare Melanite Garnet and Andradite Garnet have deep tones and strong refractive luster.
Blue Garnet: A relatively rare variety of garnet that changes color as the light changes, so it is sometimes also called color-change garnet.
How to tell the difference between garnet and ruby?
Garnet vs Ruby in Color
Garnet colors range from deep red to orange, while ruby displays a pure, vibrant red hue. In garnet versus ruby color comparison, rubies typically have a brighter, more intense red than garnets.
Garnet vs Ruby in Hardness
Garnet hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, while ruby, a corundum, ranks higher at 9. This makes ruby significantly harder and more resistant to scratches than garnet.
Garnet vs Ruby in Chemical Composition
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals with varying chemical compositions, including iron, magnesium, and aluminum. In contrast, ruby is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) with traces of chromium, which gives it its red color. Thus, garnet and ruby differ significantly in their chemical makeup.
Garnet vs Ruby in Luster
Garnet has a vitreous luster, meaning it has a glass-like shine, but it may appear duller compared to ruby. Ruby, being a corundum, exhibits a brilliant, highly reflective vitreous luster that enhances its vibrant red color. Thus, rubies generally have a more intense luster than garnets.
Garnet vs Ruby in Rarity
Garnet rarity varies depending on the type, with some varieties being quite common, like almandine, while others, like tsavorite, are much rarer. Ruby, on the other hand, is generally rarer and more valuable due to its vivid color and high demand, especially for fine-quality stones.
Garnet vs Ruby in Price
The value of garnets is generally lower than rubies, as garnets are more abundant and come in a wider range of qualities. Ruby prices can be much higher, especially for large, high-quality stones with vivid color. Garnets, while beautiful, are typically more affordable compared to the premium cost of rubies.
Amanda fine vintage antique ruby rose gold wedding rings
Common Fake Garnet Materials
Glass: Often colored to resemble garnet, but lacks the hardness and weight of a genuine garnet.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ): A synthetic gemstone that can be made in various colors, including red, to imitate garnet.
Plastic or Resin: Lightweight and inexpensive, often used in costume jewelry to simulate garnet’s appearance.
Synthetic Garnet: Laboratory-created garnets can be passed off as natural stones, though they are chemically identical.
Red Spinel: Naturally occurs in red colors and may be mistaken for garnet due to its similar hue.
How To Test If A Garnet Is Real - Observe Color And Appearance
Most garnets in real life are natural garnets. Garnet in nature can range from red to green, yellow, orange, etc., but the most common color is dark red. Before buying garnet jewelry, you can carefully observe whether the color of the gemstone is uniform and natural. Real garnet rings are usually crystal clear and uniform in color. Fake garnets may present an unnatural single color.
How To Test If A Garnet Is Real - Observe Internal Inclusions
To test if a garnet is real, observe its internal inclusions under magnification. Genuine garnets often have small, natural inclusions, such as crystals, bubbles, or needle-like structures, which are visible when viewed through a jeweler’s loupe. Fake garnets, especially those made from glass or synthetic materials, tend to have fewer or no inclusions, appearing too perfect.
How To Test If A Garnet Is Real - Examine Cut And Polish
To test if a garnet is real, examine its cut and polish. Genuine garnets are typically cut with precision, showing symmetrical facets and smooth, even surfaces. A fake garnet, such as one made of glass, may have rough or uneven cuts, poor polish, and lack the brilliance seen in natural stones. The quality of the cut and finish can be a strong indicator of authenticity.
How To Test If A Garnet Is Real - UV Light Test
To test if a garnet is real, use a UV light test. Genuine garnets typically do not fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV) light, although some may show weak fluorescence, especially varieties like tsavorite. In contrast, fake garnets, such as glass or synthetic stones, may exhibit noticeable fluorescence or a different response under UV light, indicating they are not natural garnets.
How To Test If A Garnet Is Real - Weight Comparison Test
To test if a garnet is real, perform a weight comparison test. Garnets are denser than many imitation stones, such as glass or plastic. Weigh the garnet and compare it to a similar-sized stone of known authenticity, like a real ruby or sapphire. If the garnet feels significantly lighter, it may be fake. The real garnet should have a heftier, more substantial feel due to its higher density.
How to Tell If A Gemstone is Real
To tell if a gemstone is real, examine key characteristics such as weight, hardness, and inclusions. Real gemstones tend to be denser and harder compared to fake alternatives like glass or plastic. Also to check if a stone is real or fake, you can use methods like the scratch test, UV light test, and observe internal inclusions. Real gemstones usually have unique flaws, while fake stones often appear flawless.
Conclusion
This article introduces 5 methods on how to tell if a gemstone is real. These methods are simple and easy to use, will not damage the gemstone, and are very suitable for consumers who want to identify the authenticity before purchasing.
FAQs About How To Test If A Garnet Is Real
Is garnet a gem? Where do garnets come from? What does raw garnet look like?Why are garnets used in sandpaper?
Yes, garnet is a gemstone. Garnets are found in many parts of the world, with notable deposits in Africa, India, and the United States. Raw garnet typically appears as dark, rough, and angular crystals, often brown or reddish-brown, with a glassy luster. Garnets are used in sandpaper due to their hardness and abrasive properties, making them ideal for polishing and smoothing surfaces.
How hard is garnet? What is the hardness of garnet? Does garnet scratch easily?
Garnet has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the variety. Garnet is relatively hard and resists scratching, but it can still be scratched by harder materials like sapphire or diamond.
How rare is garnet? How much does garnet cost? What does garnet represent?
Garnet is relatively common, but certain varieties, like tsavorite and demantoid, are rare and highly prized. The price for garnet stone varies depending on the type and quality. Common varieties may cost between $20 to $100 per carat, while rare varieties like tsavorite can cost $500 per carat or more. A garnet is often associated with love, passion, and vitality. It symbolizes loyalty, friendship, and protection, making it a popular gemstone for emotional healing and strengthening relationships.
What colors do garnet come in? What colors of garnet is worth more?
Garnets come in a variety of colors, including red, green, orange, yellow, brown, and even colorless. The most expensive garnet is often green, especially the vivid green tsavorite garnet, which is rare and highly valued. Other rare and high-quality garnets, such as demantoid, also command higher prices due to their unique colors and characteristics.
How old is garnet? Who should not wear garnet stone?
Garnet has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE. It is one of the oldest known gemstones. Garnet is generally safe for most people, but individuals with fiery temperaments or health issues related to blood pressure should avoid wearing it, as it is believed to intensify passion and energy.
How to tell if a gemstone is real or glass?
To tell if a gemstone is real or glass, examine its weight (real gems are denser), check for natural inclusions under magnification (glass usually lacks them), and perform a scratch test (real gems are harder and will not scratch easily).
