Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones
Garnet vs Spinel
Garnet and Spinel are easy to confuse because both are semi-precious stones. Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Spinel 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 Spinel
- Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Spinel 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, orange, and purple, but Garnet also comes in green and brown and Spinel also comes in pink, blue, and black.
Garnet vs Spinel properties
| Property | Garnet | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 8 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Crystal system | cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Brown | Red, Pink, Blue, Purple, Orange, Black |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$3000+ | $100–$10000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Spinel is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $500 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Spinel can reach $10000 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 Spinel
Spinel was historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire. The 'Black Prince's Ruby' in the British Crown Jewels is actually a spinel.
Garnet vs Spinel FAQ
Is Garnet the same as Spinel?
No. Both are semi-precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Spinel 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 Spinel?
Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Garnet (Mohs 7), so Spinel 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, orange, and purple, but Garnet also comes in green and brown and Spinel also comes in pink, blue, and black.
Which is harder, Garnet or Spinel?
Spinel is harder: Mohs 8 against Mohs 7 for Garnet.
Which is more valuable, Garnet or Spinel?
Spinel is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $500 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Spinel can reach $10000 or more.
