Comparison · Precious Stones vs Semi-Precious Stones
Alexandrite vs Garnet
Alexandrite and Garnet are easy to confuse. Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Alexandrite will scratch Garnet and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Alexandrite and Garnet
- Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Alexandrite will scratch Garnet and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
- They overlap in green and red, but Garnet also comes in orange, purple, and brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Alexandrite is orthorhombic, Garnet is cubic.
Alexandrite vs Garnet properties
| Property | Alexandrite | Garnet |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 8.5 | 7 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic | cubic |
| Common colors | Green in daylight, Red in incandescent light | Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Brown |
| Rarity | epic | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5000–$70000+ | $10–$3000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Alexandrite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15000 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Alexandrite can reach $70000 or more.
About Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare color-changing variety of chrysoberyl that appears green in daylight and red under incandescent light. It's one of the rarest gemstones.
About Garnet
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that share similar crystal structures. While red garnets are most common, they occur in every color except blue.
Alexandrite vs Garnet FAQ
Is Alexandrite the same as Garnet?
No. Alexandrite is a precious stone while Garnet is a semi-precious stone. Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Alexandrite will scratch Garnet and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
How can you tell Alexandrite from Garnet?
Alexandrite is harder (Mohs 8.5) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Alexandrite will scratch Garnet and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. They overlap in green and red, but Garnet also comes in orange, purple, and brown. Well-formed crystals give it away: Alexandrite is orthorhombic, Garnet is cubic.
Which is harder, Alexandrite or Garnet?
Alexandrite is harder: Mohs 8.5 against Mohs 7 for Garnet.
Which is more valuable, Alexandrite or Garnet?
Alexandrite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15000 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Alexandrite can reach $70000 or more.
