Amethyst Gemstones
Ametrine Gemstones
Aquamarine Gems
Alexandrite Gems
Garnet Gems
Amethyst Gemstones
Ametrine Gemstones
Aquamarine Gems
Alexandrite Gems
Garnet Gems
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.
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 |
---|---|
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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.
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.
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.
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. |
Garnet Type | Color | Price per Carat (Approx.) | Rarity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pyrope | Deep red to purplish-red | $30 – $200 | Common | Classic red garnet, often used as a ruby substitute |
Almandine | Brownish-red to wine-red | $20 – $100 | Common | Most common garnet; often darker in tone |
Rhodolite | Rose-red to purplish-pink | $50 – $300 | Moderately Rare | A mix of pyrope and almandine, with a brighter hue |
Spessartite | Orange to reddish-orange | $100 – $600 | Rare | Known for vibrant "mandarin" orange color |
Hessonite | Yellow-orange to cinnamon | $20 – $150 | Uncommon | Often called the "cinnamon stone" |
Tsavorite | Vivid green | $300 – $3,500+ | Very Rare | Brilliant alternative to emerald, high clarity |
Demantoid | Yellow-green to emerald green | $500 – $10,000+ | Extremely Rare | One of the rarest garnets, famed for its dispersion and fire |
Color-Change Garnet | Grayish-green to reddish-purple | $400 – $3,000+ | Very Rare | Changes color under incandescent vs daylight |
Mali Garnet | Yellow-green to green-brown | $150 – $800 | Rare | High brilliance, hybrid of grossular and andradite |
Grossular | Mint green, colorless, brown | $50 – $500 | Uncommon | Wide color range; includes Tsavorite and Hessonite varieties |
Andradite | Olive green to brownish-black | $100 – $1,000+ | Rare | Includes Demantoid, known for high dispersion |
Color intensity & saturation – More vivid hues (like Tsavorite and Mandarin Spessartite) command higher prices.
Clarity – Garnets are often clean, but transparent stones with minimal inclusions are more valuable.
Rarity – Certain garnet varieties like Demantoid or Color-Change Garnets are much harder to source.
Cut – Precision faceting increases light return and value, especially in collectible stones. This is why so many people seek us out, due to the cutting from Steve and Michael Moriarty.
Try These Simple Tests:
Check the Sparkle:
Garnets reflect more light in a "rainbow" spectrum, while rubies have a deeper red glow with less fire.
Use a Loupe:
Look for needle-like inclusions or color zoning, a good sign it's ruby. Garnet is often cleaner and glassier.
Test the Weight:
Garnet is denser. If two stones are the same size, the garnet will feel heavier.
Ask for a Certificate:
Some jewelers will provide gemological certification (GIA, AGL, or IGI) for ruby purchases. There is normally an extra cost for this.
Both Ruby and Garnet are beautiful red gemstones with unique charm, but knowing the difference ensures you get what you pay for. At [Your Jewelry Brand], we hand-select and verify every gemstone with certified gemologists to ensure authenticity and value.
Whether you're looking for an heirloom-quality Burma ruby or a striking, budget-friendly garnet cocktail ring, our team is here to help you find the perfect piece.
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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by Jeff Moriarty July 16, 2025
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