Is Garnet just a Fake Ruby?
At first glance, it’s easy to see why some might think so. Both loose garnet gemstones and rubies share vibrant red hues that can make them appear nearly indistinguishable to the untrained eye. However, a closer look reveals significant differences between these two captivating stones. Rubies are cherished for their vivid, rich red color, often complemented by slight blue undertones that produce the famed “pigeon’s blood” hue. This striking intensity is a hallmark of ruby gemstones. In contrast, while also stunning, garnets typically display a deeper, wine-like red with occasional brownish undertones, rarely exhibiting the blue tones characteristic of rubies. Understanding these nuances is key to distinguishing garnet from ruby and appreciating their unique beauty and value.
How to Tell the Difference Between Garnet and Ruby
Garnet and Ruby are known for their beautiful red hues and rich history. However, while they may appear similar at first glance, these gems have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Whether you are a collector, jeweler, or gemstone enthusiast, understanding the differences between garnet and ruby can save you from confusion or misidentification. Here are the main ways you can tell them apart:
Composition and Hardness
A gemstone’s chemical composition and hardness play a crucial role in differentiating between garnet and ruby. Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, composed primarily of aluminum oxide. The presence of chromium gives rubies their signature red hue. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are incredibly durable, making them suitable for everyday wear.
Garnets, on the other hand, are a group of silicate minerals, with their red variety mainly being almandine or pyrope. They rank between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them less hard than rubies and more susceptible to scratching.
How to Spot the Difference: Use the scratch test cautiously. A ruby will resist scratching better than a garnet due to its hardness.
Luster and Light Reflection
The way gemstones reflect light can also help distinguish between garnet and ruby. Rubies exhibit a glassy (vitreous) luster that reflects light brilliantly. High-quality rubies may even display a phenomenon known as asterism, where a star-like pattern appears on the surface when cut as a cabochon. Garnets also have a vitreous luster but lack the brilliance and fire of a ruby. Instead, garnets tend to have a softer glow.
How to Spot the Difference: Hold the gemstone under a light source and observe the brightness. Rubies typically shine more intensely than garnets.
Value and Rarity
Another major difference between garnet and ruby is their value and rarity. Rubies are one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Their price depends on factors such as color, clarity, carat weight, and origin. High-quality rubies, especially those with the “pigeon’s blood” hue, can fetch thousands or even millions of dollars. Garnets are generally more affordable, even in larger sizes. While rare varieties of garnet (like demantoid or tsavorite) can command higher prices, red garnets are widely available and less expensive compared to rubies.
How to Spot the Difference: The price tag is often a giveaway. If a gemstone’s price seems too good to be true for a ruby, it’s likely a garnet.
Inclusions and Clarity
Inclusions (natural imperfections) can also help differentiate between these gemstones. Most rubies contain some inclusions, which are considered a hallmark of natural stones. However, high-quality rubies have fewer inclusions, and their clarity is often enhanced through heat treatments. Garnets are typically eye-clean, meaning they have fewer visible inclusions. This is especially true for red garnets, which often appear flawless to the naked eye.
How to Spot the Difference: Examine the gemstone under magnification. Rubies often have fine inclusions, while garnets appear clearer.
Testing with Tools
If visual inspection is not enough, gemological tools can confirm whether a gemstone is a garnet or ruby. Rubies have a higher refractive index (1.76-1.77) than garnets (1.73-1.82). A refractometer can measure this difference. A spectroscope reveals the unique absorption spectrum of each gemstone. Rubies show a distinct chromium spectrum, while garnets display an iron spectrum. Additionally, rubies have a specific gravity of about 4.0, whereas garnets range from 3.5 to 4.3 depending on the type.
How to Spot the Difference: Consult a professional jeweler who can perform these tests if you are unsure.
Origin and History
The origin of a gemstone can provide context about its identity. Rubies are predominantly found in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Madagascar. Burmese rubies, in particular, are highly sought after for their exceptional color and quality. Garnets are more widely distributed, with notable sources including India, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Their availability across various regions contributes to their affordability.
How to Spot the Difference: If a gemstone’s origin is known, it can hint at whether it is a ruby or garnet.
While garnet and ruby may look alike to the untrained eye, their differences become clear when you examine their color, composition, value, and physical properties. If you’re ever in doubt, consult and purchase your garnet or ruby from a reputable gemologist. You can shop our collection of premium loose garnet gemstones and natural rubies to get started.
