Red gemstones have always had a fatal attraction and an unshakable position among many gemstones. Two gemstones of similar colors are often compared and distinguished by people, and ruby and garnet are a typical example. Do you know what’s the difference between garnet and ruby? Ruby vs garnet, how to cleverly distinguish these two gemstones? This article helps you understand and compare these two gemstones side by side to help you make the right jewelry or investment choice.
Table of Contents
What is a ruby?
Ruby is one of the three major colored gemstones along with sapphire and emerald. Ruby is the first of the three major colored gemstones because of its strong red color, symbolizing love and passion, and high value. It is an extremely rare and richly colored gemstone. Ruby is popular because of its rarity, durability and beautiful color, and is used in jewelry, investment and other aspects.
What is a garnet? What is garnet made of?
Garnet is a brownish reddish crystal known for its rich, deep hues and has been valued for centuries. Made primarily of silicate minerals, red garnet stone meaning is often associated with passion, protection, and strength. The red garnet gemstone benefits are believed to include boosting confidence, enhancing creativity, and promoting emotional balance.
Ruby vs Garnet In Composition and Origin
Ruby: Ruby, on the other hand, is a variety of the mineral corundum, primarily composed of aluminum oxide with traces of chromium that give it its striking red color. Ruby and garnet differ not only in mineral composition but also in origin, as ruby typically forms in metamorphic rocks, while garnet can form in both igneous and metamorphic environments. Rubies are prized for their intense, vibrant red and are associated with love, passion, and prosperity.
Garnet: Known for its rich, earthy tones, garnet is a brownish reddish crystal primarily made of silicate minerals. Unlike ruby, which has a more uniform composition, garnet comes in a variety of types and colors due to different mineral combinations. Garnet vs ruby in composition shows a clear distinction, as garnet often contains elements like calcium, magnesium, and iron, giving it unique hues and properties. Red garnet stone meaning is traditionally tied to strength and protection, and the red garnet gemstone benefits are thought to include enhanced confidence and emotional balance.
Amanda Rose Gold Pear Shaped Ruby and Moissanite Diamonds Cluster Engagement Ring (real ruby images)
Ruby vs Garnet In Color and Light
Ruby: In contrast, the color of ruby is a bright, intense red with possible hints of pink or purple, often referred to as ‘pigeon blood’ red when it’s of top quality. Rubies reflect light in a way that gives them a vivid, fiery glow, which is enhanced by the gemstone’s transparency. Garnet vs ruby in color and light display makes ruby the more vibrant of the two, especially in direct sunlight, where ruby’s brilliance truly stands out.
Garnet: The color of garnet ranges from deep red to reddish-brown, often with earthy or wine-like undertones. Garnet has a more subdued glow compared to ruby, giving it a warm, vintage appeal that is popular in classic jewelry styles. The garnet vs ruby color difference becomes noticeable in certain lighting, as garnet tends to have a richer, darker appearance. The difference between a garnet and a ruby in light reflection is also distinct—garnet typically shows less internal light play than ruby.
Ruby vs Garnet In Clarity
Ruby: In the ruby vs garnet comparison, ruby tends to have a higher standard for clarity. The best rubies are prized for their transparency and minimal inclusions, which allow light to pass through and create a bright, fiery appearance. However, almost all natural rubies have some inclusions, often referred to as the “fingerprints” of the stone. These inclusions are typically less noticeable in rubies than in garnets and can sometimes enhance the ruby’s overall beauty by adding character without compromising its brilliance.
Garnet: The clarity of garnet can vary significantly, with many stones containing inclusions or natural internal marks. While high-quality garnets can be relatively clear, they often display a denser look with visible inclusions, adding to their unique appeal as a red gemstone not ruby. Garnet characteristics include its ability to show consistent color throughout the stone, even if it lacks the same level of transparency as ruby. Inclusions in garnet are generally accepted and do not detract much from its value, especially in darker varieties.
Ruby vs Garnet In Price and Value
Ruby: Rubies are among the most valuable gemstones, especially for stones with deep, vivid red color and high clarity. The ruby vs garnet gemstone price difference is substantial, as rubies—particularly those with the highly prized “pigeon blood” red hue—can command thousands of dollars per carat. A ruby crystal stone is often seen as an investment, with top-grade stones appreciating in value over time, which enhances their appeal to collectors and those seeking heirloom-quality jewelry.
Garnet: In the price of garnet vs ruby comparison, garnet is generally the more affordable option, making it a popular choice for those seeking beauty on a budget. The garnet worth can vary depending on color, size, and variety, but even high-quality garnets are usually less expensive than rubies. This affordability makes garnet an attractive alternative for those desiring a rich red gemstone without the premium price of a ruby crystal stone, giving it strong value in the market.
Ruby vs Garnet In Hardness and Durability
Ruby in Hardness and Durability: Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones available. The high hardness of ruby means it is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, which is one reason it’s often used in fine jewelry, especially engagement rings. VVS rubies, known for their clarity, also benefit from this hardness, ensuring the stone retains its brilliance and lasts for generations. The ruby hardness scale places it just below diamond, providing excellent durability even with regular wear.
Garnet in Hardness and Durability: In contrast, the hardness of garnet is between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the specific type of garnet. While garnet stones are still fairly durable, they are more prone to scratching than rubies. The lower hardness of garnet means it may not be the best choice for high-impact jewelry, such as rings worn daily. Despite this, garnet stones are still a popular option for pieces that don’t undergo heavy wear, offering vibrant color and charm.
How to tell a ruby from a garnet?
To differentiate between a real ruby and a garnet, the first step is to check the color. A genuine ruby typically exhibits a deep red or reddish-pink hue, often with a hint of blue, while garnet stones are usually more of a purplish-red or orange-red color. Another way to tell ruby from garnet is by its hardness: rubies are much harder, rating 9 on the Mohs scale, compared to garnets, which range from 6.5 to 7.5. When comparing ruby, sapphire, and garnet, it’s also important to note that rubies and sapphires tend to have more brilliance and are less likely to display inclusions compared to garnets.
A Real garnet gemstone image
Ruby And Garnet Use In Jewelry
Ruby vs garnet in jewelry comes down to both aesthetics and durability. Ruby and garnet jewelry are popular choices for rings, earrings, and necklaces, but they have distinct qualities. Ruby, with its intense red color and high hardness, is often chosen for engagement rings, particularly ruby and garnet rings. A ruby engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love and passion, while garnet rings offer a more affordable alternative with warm, rich tones. While rubies are known for their durability and brilliance, garnets provide a more understated, vintage appeal, making both stones versatile for different jewelry styles.
Conclusion
This article compares ruby vs garnet from all aspects. If you want to buy some ruby jewelry or other gemstone jewelry, Amanda is a good choice for you, which provides attentive service and high-quality gemstones.
FAQs About Ruby vs Garnet
Is a ruby a crystal? How much is lab grown ruby?
Yes, a ruby is a crystal. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, which forms naturally as a crystalline structure.
Is garnet red? Is garnet a ruby?
Garnet can be red, but it comes in various colors, including green, yellow, orange, and purple. The red variety is the most common.And garnet is not a ruby.
Is garnet and ruby a semi precious stone?
Yes, both garnet and ruby are considered semi-precious stones. However, rubies, especially high-quality ones, are often regarded as precious gemstones.
Are garnets valuable? What colors of garnet worth more?
Garnets are generally affordable, but certain varieties, like Tsavorite (green garnet) or Mandarin (orange garnet), are rarer and more valuable. Red garnets are common and less expensive.
What does a garnet and ruby look like?
A ruby is typically a deep red or reddish-pink, with a glossy and transparent appearance. Garnets, depending on the type, can range from dark red to green, orange, or yellow, with a glassy to resinous luster.
What causes the difference between ruby and corundum?
Rubies and other corundum varieties differ mainly in trace elements. Rubies are red due to the presence of chromium, while other corundum varieties are colorless or blue, green, or yellow due to elements like iron, titanium, or vanadium.
How hard is a ruby and a garnet? What is the most hardness scale for rubies?
A ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest gemstones. Garnet ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it less hard and more prone to scratching than ruby.
