Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones vs Precious Stones
Garnet vs Ruby
Garnet and Ruby are easy to confuse. Ruby is harder (Mohs 9) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Ruby 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 Garnet and Ruby
- Ruby is harder (Mohs 9) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Ruby 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 red, but Garnet also comes in orange, green, purple, and brown and Ruby also comes in pink.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Garnet is cubic, Ruby is trigonal.
Garnet vs Ruby properties
| Property | Garnet | Ruby |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 9 |
| Luster | vitreous | adamantine |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.8 | 4 |
| Crystal system | cubic | trigonal |
| Common colors | Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Brown | Red, Pinkish Red, Purplish Red |
| Rarity | common | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$3000+ | $1000–$100000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Ruby is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $10000 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Ruby can reach $100000 or more.
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.
About Ruby
Ruby is a red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral. Its intense red color comes from chromium impurities.
Garnet vs Ruby FAQ
Is Garnet the same as Ruby?
No. Garnet is a semi-precious stone while Ruby is a precious stone. Ruby is harder (Mohs 9) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Ruby 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 Garnet from Ruby?
Ruby is harder (Mohs 9) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Ruby 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 red, but Garnet also comes in orange, green, purple, and brown and Ruby also comes in pink. Well-formed crystals give it away: Garnet is cubic, Ruby is trigonal.
Which is harder, Garnet or Ruby?
Ruby is harder: Mohs 9 against Mohs 7 for Garnet.
Which is more valuable, Garnet or Ruby?
Ruby is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $10000 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Ruby can reach $100000 or more.
