Comparison · Precious Stones
Diamond vs Ruby
Diamond and Ruby are easy to confuse because both are precious stones. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Ruby (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Ruby and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Diamond and Ruby
- Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Ruby (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Ruby and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
- Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Ruby leaves white.
- They overlap in pink, but Diamond also comes in clear, yellow, blue, and black and Ruby also comes in red.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Diamond is cubic, Ruby is trigonal.
Diamond vs Ruby properties
| Property | Diamond | Ruby |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 9 |
| Luster | adamantine | adamantine |
| Streak | None | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 4 |
| Crystal system | cubic | trigonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black | Red, Pinkish Red, Purplish Red |
| Rarity | legendary | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $1000–$100000+ | $1000–$100000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Ruby is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $10000 against $5000 for Diamond, and premium Ruby can reach $100000 or more.
About Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, composed of carbon atoms in a crystal structure. It's the ultimate symbol of luxury and eternal love.
About Ruby
Ruby is a red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral. Its intense red color comes from chromium impurities.
Diamond vs Ruby FAQ
Is Diamond the same as Ruby?
No. Both are precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Ruby (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Ruby and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
How can you tell Diamond from Ruby?
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Ruby (Mohs 9), so Diamond will scratch Ruby and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Ruby leaves white. They overlap in pink, but Diamond also comes in clear, yellow, blue, and black and Ruby also comes in red.
Which is harder, Diamond or Ruby?
Diamond is harder: Mohs 10 against Mohs 9 for Ruby.
Which is more valuable, Diamond or Ruby?
Ruby is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $10000 against $5000 for Diamond, and premium Ruby can reach $100000 or more.
