Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones
Garnet vs Zircon
Garnet and Zircon are easy to confuse because both are semi-precious stones. 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 Zircon
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Zircon feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.6 versus 3.8 for Garnet).
- They overlap in red, green, and brown, but Garnet also comes in orange and purple and Zircon also comes in clear, blue, and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Garnet is cubic, Zircon is tetragonal.
Garnet vs Zircon properties
| Property | Garnet | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | adamantine |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.8 | 4.6 |
| Crystal system | cubic | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Brown | Colorless, Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Brown |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$3000+ | $50–$2000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Zircon is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Zircon can reach $2000 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 Zircon
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals over 4 billion years old. Not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia.
Garnet vs Zircon FAQ
Is Garnet the same as Zircon?
No. Both are semi-precious stones, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. 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 Zircon?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Zircon feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.6 versus 3.8 for Garnet). They overlap in red, green, and brown, but Garnet also comes in orange and purple and Zircon also comes in clear, blue, and yellow.
Which is harder, Garnet or Zircon?
Zircon is harder: Mohs 7.5 against Mohs 7 for Garnet.
Which is more valuable, Garnet or Zircon?
Zircon is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $100 for Garnet, and premium Zircon can reach $2000 or more.
