Ruby vs Garnet: Which Red Gemstone Suits You Best?

In the world of all the red gemstones, you must also find it confusing which one to choose, just like me! This is why we are here to clear a simple confusion for you. All the precious and semi-precious stones have their significance and astrological values to them. Some of these stones have similar astrological benefits, which creates even more confusion.

Like, there is a big debate about Ruby vs. Garnet. Both the stones are red and have similar qualities, making choosing between both even more complicated. This tutorial will help you grasp the differences between garnet and ruby, whether you're planning to invest in a red gemstone or just want to know what they are.

What is Garnet Stone?

The silicate minerals that make up garnets have distinct chemical compositions but comparable physical characteristics. Because of its hue, pyrope, the most common red garnet, is frequently confused for rubies. Since ancient Egypt and Rome thousands of years ago, garnets have been utilised in jewellery. Because of their attractive appearance and reasonable price, they are now a popular choice for rings, pendants, and other jewellery.

What Colour is Garnet?

The gemstone garnet is typically spoken of as a deep red colour, although it can also be green, orange, yellow, or even pink. But the most popular kind, pyrope garnet, is distinguished by its deep, dark red colour, occasionally tinged with brown or purple. The sparkle that gives rubies their bright appearance is absent from garnets, which also tend to have an aesthetically more muted red tone.

Red Ruby Gemstone: An Overview

The mineral corundum, which also contains sapphires, is the parent material of rubies. The presence of chromium is what gives rubies their red hue. Ruby is always red, albeit its hue can range from pinkish to deep red, unlike garnet, which can have several colours. The best rubies, sometimes known as "pigeon's blood" rubies, are extremely valuable and can command high market prices.

Garnet vs Ruby: Structure and Composition

• Garnet is a silicate mineral which has multiple species in it like the pyrope, almandine, and spessartine. It has different characteristics when compared to a ruby the king of gemstones. Garnet is a different form of crystal.
• On the other hand, ruby comes from a corundum family which is a combination of aluminium oxide. Ruby is a single mineral species unlike a garnet which is a group of minerals.

Garet vs Ruby: Hardness

One of the prime differences between garnet and ruby is the hardness of the stone, which makes or breaks the stone. The hardness of a gemstone is measured as per the Mohs scale, which then determines whether the stone is suitable for using on a regular basis or how scratchproof it is. Let’s also understand the hardness of garnet vs ruby.

• Garnet Hardness: According to the Mohs hardness scale, garnet has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5. Because of this, it is not as scratch-resistant as ruby but is still fairly durable.
• Ruby Hardness: Ruby is one of the hardest natural gemstones, second only to diamonds, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9. Because of this, rubies are more suited for daily use, particularly in rings.

Ruby Garnet Ring: Which One to Choose?

The following elements should be considered while selecting a ruby garnet ring:

• Durability: This is because rubies are harder, they will last longer and be more resistant to scratches.
• Color and Appearance: Ruby is a better option if you're looking for a red gemstone that is vibrant and vivid. Garnet is the perfect choice if you like your reds deeper and more earthy.
• Price: Garnet is a fantastic choice for people on a tight budget because it is significantly less expensive than ruby.

Garnet vs Ruby Price: The more Valuable One

The cost of ruby is substantially higher than that of garnets. While garnets are often significantly cheaper, frequently costing less than $100 per carat, high-quality rubies can cost thousands of dollars per carat. In contrast to the garnet, which is more plentiful and therefore less costly, rubies are highly valued due to their scarcity and demand.

How to Identify Garnet vs Ruby

Some common parameters to see which stone you should opt for:

• Color Intensity: Garnets typically have a deeper, darker red tone, whereas rubies, because of their fluorescence, have a bright, almost neon-red glow.
• Hardness Test: You can try scratching glass to see how hard the stone is because rubies are harder than garnets. Garnet may not damage glass as easily as ruby.
• Inclusions: While premium rubies may seem cleaner and brighter, garnets may have more inclusions.
• Light Reflection: Rubies exhibit a vivid red fluorescence when exposed to light, while garnets usually glow brownish or orangish.

Astrological Benefits

Let’s have a closer look at the astrological benefits of both garnet and ruby for a better understanding of which would suit you better and is to your liking as per your situation and need.

Garnet

• Garnet is thought to bestow wealth, energy, and self-assurance on its wearer.
• It is linked to the root chakra, which promotes solidity and grounding.
• Many people think garnet inspires courage and hope and aids in conquering depression.
• It is said to shield against harmful influences and draw in beneficial energy.
• People who work in creative or business-related industries are frequently advised to wear a garnet.

Ruby

• Ruby, which is connected to the Sun, is thought to boost self-assurance and leadership abilities.
• It supports love, passion, and emotional health and is associated with the heart chakra.
• Ruby is frequently used to enhance mental clarity and decision-making abilities.
• It is believed to bring riches, success, and notoriety, particularly to individuals in positions of authority.
• Wearing a ruby is said by many to offer protection from negative influences and evil energy.

Conclusion