Comparison · Silicate Minerals
Pyrope vs Spessartine
Pyrope and Spessartine are easy to confuse because both are silicate minerals. Both sit near Mohs 7.25, 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 Pyrope and Spessartine
- Both sit near Mohs 7.25, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Spessartine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.19 versus 3.58 for Pyrope).
- They overlap in red and orange, but Spessartine also comes in brown and yellow.
Pyrope vs Spessartine properties
| Property | Pyrope | Spessartine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7.25 | 7 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.58 | 4.19 |
| Crystal system | cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Red, Deep red, Purplish red, Orange-red | Orange, Red, Brownish red, Yellowish orange |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$800+ | $15–$900+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Pyrope and Spessartine trade in a similar range, around $120.
About Pyrope
Pyrope is the deep red, magnesium aluminum member of the garnet group, transparent and glassy with a hardness that suits it well to jewelry. Its rich color and brilliance have made it a classic red gemstone.
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.
Pyrope vs Spessartine FAQ
Is Pyrope the same as Spessartine?
No. Both are silicate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7.25, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Pyrope from Spessartine?
Both sit near Mohs 7.25, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Spessartine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.19 versus 3.58 for Pyrope). They overlap in red and orange, but Spessartine also comes in brown and yellow.
Which is harder, Pyrope or Spessartine?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.25.
Which is more valuable, Pyrope or Spessartine?
Typical specimens of Pyrope and Spessartine trade in a similar range, around $120.
