When it comes to red gemstones, Ruby Stone and Garnet often top the list. Both exude beauty and symbolism, but they are totally different in terms of value, brilliance, and energy. Since both of them feature red color, they are difficult to distinguish.
Especially when it comes to buying expensive red gemstone jewelry, it is essential to make out which one is what. This gemstone guide will help you spot the difference between the two easily:
Also Read: Gemstone Jewelry Gift Guide for Every Occasion – navratan.us
Ruby vs Garnet: 10 Differences You Can Look For
1. Formation: Garnet vs Ruby
Ruby comes from the corundum mineral family. It is made of aluminum oxide, and its chemical formula is Al2O3. Ruby is formed inside schist and igneous rocks. Garnet Stone, on the contrary, is a group of silicates and its chemical formula is X3Y2(SiO4)3. It is formed inside schist and genesis.
2. Garnet vs Ruby Color
Ruby stone color is intense red, pigeon blood color being the most unmatched one. Compared to this garnet color is much darker, just like the shade of wine red. Pigeon’s blood red color is not found in any other gemstone except rubies, and thus these gems are considered rare.
Read More: Ruby Stone: Exploring the Gem’s Enchanting Colors and Variety
High-quality rubies have a deep, vibrant red tone with a slight bluish tint. When comparing garnet vs ruby vs spinel color, the first is darker red, the second displays a purplish to pinkish-red hue, and the third shows a purplish-red tone.
3. Inclusions
Common Ruby inclusions include rutile needles, fingerprints, and gas bubbles. Inclusions are one of the main characteristics that help identify a natural ruby. Garnets, on the contrary, are less included and often eye-clean. If the gemstone is included, it is likely a natural ruby.
Read More: See Deeper in Life with Ruby Inclusions
4. Durability
Ruby gemstone ranks 9 on the Mohs scale (extremely hard and durable, suitable for everyday wear). Garnet, on the other hand, ranks 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale (softer and more prone to scratches). This difference makes rubies ideal for engagement rings or daily jewelry, while garnets are better suited for occasional wear.
5. Garnet vs Ruby Price
If you’re comparing garnet vs ruby price, the former is affordable than the latter. Rubies are more valuable, especially the pigeon blood ruby varieties found in Burma. High-quality Ruby price per carat starts above $562. Garnets are more affordable, and the cost depends on the type and quality.
Learn More: Gemstone Jewelry Under $500: Affordable Luxury Picks to Gift – navratan.us
6. Ruby vs Garnet Benefits
In astrology, ruby is associated with the Sun and offers the wearer courage, love, and vitality. Garnet, on the contrary, is a substitute for ruby in astrology and is often considered a budget-friendly option.
7. Birthstone Connection: Garnet vs Ruby Birthstone
In Western astrology, both these gemstones represent different months. Ruby is the birthstone for July, symbolizing love and protection. On the contrary, garnet stone is the birthstone for January, representing new beginnings and strength.
8. Origin and Availability
Rubies are found in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique. The most coveted ones are Burma ruby with a distinct pigeon blood red hue. Since the ruby mines here are closed, the availability of these gems is limited, making them rare picks. Garnets are found more commonly across India, Madagascar, and Africa. They are readily available.
Read here: How Gemstone Origin Affects Price and Energy – navratan.us
9. How to Identify Them in Jewelry
Look at the color under light: Ruby gemstone will appear with a purplish tint, whereas garnet can be seen with an orangish tint.
Check the price: Garnet stones are more affordable, whereas rubies are costly.
Test the hardness: Rubies resist scratching much better than garnets. To identify real ruby, inspect the facets. It should be clean and sharp. If it is round and has bubbles inside, then it could be a glass.
Professional gem testing: A gemologist can confirm it through refractive index and inclusions.
10. Garnet vs Ruby in Jewelry
Both gems have their charm. Garnet jewelry is perfect for those who are looking for budget-friendly choices, whereas ruby jewelry is expensive and gives a royal appeal.
Which One to Choose?
Choosing any of these gemstones depends on your budget. If you are looking for luxurious jewelry, rubies are a perfect choice. To buy natural ruby, Navratan is the best place. We deal in the best varieties of gemstones from different sources. Our jewelry collection also features some of the unique designs that capture your heart at an instant. So, whether you are looking for garnet or ruby, Navratan is the best destination.