Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones vs Silicate Minerals
Garnet vs Spessartine
Garnet and Spessartine are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 7, 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 Garnet and Spessartine
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in red, orange, and brown, but Garnet also comes in green and purple and Spessartine also comes in yellow.
Garnet vs Spessartine properties
| Property | Garnet | Spessartine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.8 | 4.19 |
| Crystal system | cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Brown | Orange, Red, Brownish red, Yellowish orange |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$3000+ | $15–$900+ |
Which is more valuable?
Spessartine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Spessartine can reach $900 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 Spessartine
Spessartine is the manganese aluminum member of the garnet group, prized for its bright orange to reddish-orange color. It forms well-shaped dodecahedral or trapezohedral crystals, often in pegmatites or on smoky quartz, and the most vivid stones are cut as gems.
Garnet vs Spessartine FAQ
Is Garnet the same as Spessartine?
No. Garnet is a semi-precious stone while Spessartine is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Garnet from Spessartine?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in red, orange, and brown, but Garnet also comes in green and purple and Spessartine also comes in yellow.
Which is harder, Garnet or Spessartine?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Garnet or Spessartine?
Spessartine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Spessartine can reach $900 or more.
