Comparison · Minerals
Almandine vs Hessonite
Almandine and Hessonite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 7–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Almandine and Hessonite
- Both sit near Mohs 7–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Almandine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.9–4.3 versus 3.5–3.65 for Hessonite).
- They overlap in red and brown, but Almandine also comes in black and Hessonite also comes in orange and yellow.
Almandine vs Hessonite properties
| Property | Almandine | Hessonite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 6.5–7 |
| Luster | Vitreous to resinous | Vitreous to resinous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.9–4.3 | 3.5–3.65 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Cubic |
| Common colors | Deep red, Reddish brown, Purplish red, Black | Orange-brown, Cinnamon, Yellow-orange, Reddish brown |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Almandine and Hessonite trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Almandine
Almandine is the iron-rich end member of the garnet group, with the formula Fe3Al2(SiO4)3, and it is the most common garnet found in metamorphic rocks. It typically forms deep red to brownish-red crystals in mica schists and gneisses, distinguished by its density and classic dodecahedral crystal form. Almandine is the garnet most often cut for inexpensive faceted gemstones sold as "garnet" in jewelry.
About Hessonite
Hessonite is a warm orange-brown to reddish-brown variety of grossular garnet, Ca3Al2(SiO4)3, colored by trace iron and manganese, and long prized in South Asian gem traditions under the Sanskrit name gomedh. Its slightly greasy internal luster and swirling, treacle-like inclusions, often described as a scotch-in-water effect, set it apart from other orange garnets and gemstones. It belongs to the calcium-aluminum garnet subgroup rather than the calcium-iron subgroup that includes andradite.
Almandine vs Hessonite FAQ
Is Almandine the same as Hessonite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Almandine from Hessonite?
Both sit near Mohs 7–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Almandine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.9–4.3 versus 3.5–3.65 for Hessonite). They overlap in red and brown, but Almandine also comes in black and Hessonite also comes in orange and yellow.
Which is harder, Almandine or Hessonite?
Almandine is harder: Mohs 7–7.5 against Mohs 6.5–7 for Hessonite.
Which is more valuable, Almandine or Hessonite?
Typical specimens of Almandine and Hessonite trade in a similar range, around $20.
