Ruby vs. Garnet: How to Tell the Difference Between These Red Gemstone - Moriartys Gem Art
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  • Ruby vs. Garnet: How to Tell the Difference Between These Red Gemstones

    by Jeff Moriarty July 17, 2025

    Red gemstones have always captured hearts with their bold brilliance, but not all reds are created equal.  While there are many gemstones available in the red color, two of the most commonly confused gems in the jewelry industry are Ruby and Garnet. While they can appear similar at first glance, their differences in color, composition, value, and brilliance are striking once you know what to look for.

    This guide will help you distinguish Ruby from Garnet with confidence, using clear visuals, gemological facts, and buying tips for collectors, connoisseurs, and us, the team at Moriarty's Gem Art.

    Quick Comparison Chart: Easy Reading

    Feature Ruby Garnet
    Color Vivid red to purplish-red (often with pink or blue undertones) Deep red to brownish-red (sometimes orange or wine-toned)
    Hardness (Mohs) 9 (extremely durable) 6.5 – 7.5 (less resistant to scratches)
    Luster Vitreous to silky Vitreous
    Refractive Index 1.76 – 1.77 (high brilliance) 1.72 – 1.94 (depends on garnet type)
    Typical Inclusions Rutile "silk" or needles Often eye-clean or with crystal inclusions
    Value High, especially for untreated or Burmese rubies More affordable, even in larger carat sizes
    Origin Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Thailand India, Sri Lanka, Africa, USA

     

    Ruby Garnet
    violet red garnet gemstone beautiful round portuguese cut
    Bright, vivid red with bluish undertones. Deeper, wine-red with brownish hues.

    Pro Tip: In natural light, rubies often appear brighter and more "electric," while garnets tend to have a more muted, earthy tone.

    Gemological Distinctions Between Ruby and Garnet

    Ruby:

    • A variety of the mineral corundum, colored red by trace amounts of chromium.

    • High hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) makes ruby ideal for everyday wear.

    • Under magnification, rubies often display rutile silk, growth zoning, and occasionally fluorescence under UV light.

    Garnet:

    • Not a single mineral, but a group of closely related minerals (e.g., almandine, pyrope).

    • Often lacks inclusions and can appear clearer than ruby.

    • Does not fluoresce, and can sometimes show double refraction if it's a type like andradite.

    • Unlike Ruby, Garnet is available in a variety of colors.

    Value & Rarity

    Ruby Garnet
    Price per Carat (High-Quality) $5,000–$50,000+ $50–$500 (though it can go much higher depending on the type of garnet).
    Investment Grade Yes, especially untreated, Burmese stones Typically not considered investment gems though you will find some very rare gems here at Moriarty's Gem Art.
    Collectability High due to rarity and market demand More common, though rare garnets (like tsavorite) can command premium prices.
    Jeff Moriarty
    Jeff Moriarty

    Jeff Moriarty has been in the jewelry industry for almost 20 years. His family now only owns a retail jewelry store in Crown Point, Indiana, but he also travels the world with his father in search of rare gemstones.

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