Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Almandine vs Pyrope
Almandine and Pyrope are easy to confuse. 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 Pyrope
- 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 3.58 for Pyrope).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Almandine is Transparent to translucent, Pyrope is transparent.
- They overlap in red, but Almandine also comes in brown and black and Pyrope also comes in orange.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Almandine is Cubic, Pyrope is cubic.
Almandine vs Pyrope properties
| Property | Almandine | Pyrope |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 7.25 |
| Luster | Vitreous to resinous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.9–4.3 | 3.58 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Deep red, Reddish brown, Purplish red, Black | Red, Deep red, Purplish red, Orange-red |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $15–$800+ |
Which is more valuable?
Pyrope is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $20 for Almandine, and premium Pyrope can reach $800 or more.
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 Pyrope
Pyrope is the deep red, magnesium aluminum member of the garnet group, transparent and glassy with a hardness that suits it well to jewelry. Its rich color and brilliance have made it a classic red gemstone.
Almandine vs Pyrope FAQ
Is Almandine the same as Pyrope?
No. Almandine is a mineral while Pyrope is a silicate mineral. 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 Pyrope?
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 3.58 for Pyrope). Hold a thin edge to the light: Almandine is Transparent to translucent, Pyrope is transparent.
Which is harder, Almandine or Pyrope?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7–7.5.
Which is more valuable, Almandine or Pyrope?
Pyrope is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $20 for Almandine, and premium Pyrope can reach $800 or more.
