Skip to main content

Is My Ring Stone Ruby or Garnet? How to Tell the Difference

Is My Ring Stone Ruby or Garnet? How to Tell the Difference

Step into the mesmerising world of gemstones, where every swirl and inclusion tells a unique story. If you've ever found yourself squinting at your ring, wondering, "Is my ring stone ruby or garnet?" fear not! In this exciting journey through the gemstone realm, we'll unravel the secrets to distinguish between these luscious red beauties.

Get ready to become a gemstone detective as we explore the dazzling differences that set rubies and garnets apart.

 The differences between Ruby and Garnet:

 Gemstone Chemistry 101

   - Ruby, the rockstar of the corundum family, flaunts its red hues thanks to a pinch of chromium in its aluminum oxide concoction.

   - Garnet, the versatile crowd-pleaser, takes on various colours, including a sassy red, with its aluminum silicate composition.

 Colour Explosion

   - Ruby struts its stuff in a spectrum of red shades, from a blushing pinkish-red to a deep, sultry blood-red, all thanks to that magical touch of chromium.

   - Garnet, the chameleon of the gem world, rocks shades like orange-red, purplish-red, or even a dash of brownish-red, giving you endless possibilities.

 Inclusions: Gemstone Personality Traits

   - Ruby loves to show off its natural quirks – enter "silk," tiny crystals or mineral buddies that create a celestial dance, known as asterism.

   - Garnet, not to be outdone, sports inclusions too, but they bring a different flair such as horsetail inclusions.

Rock-Hard Rivals

   - Ruby takes the crown with a Mohs hardness of 9, making it a heavyweight champion for daily wear and tear.

   - Garnet holds its own in the toughness arena with a Mohs hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, but it's the wild child that might appreciate a bit more TLC.

Gem Detective Pro Tips:

  1. Call in the Pros

   - Feeling stuck? Ring up a gemologist or a jeweller – these gem whisperers have the tools and skills to unveil your stone's true identity.

  1. Magnify

   - Grab a jeweller's loupe or a magnifying glass, and dive deep into the hidden world of your gem. Look for inclusions, colour surprises, and all the drama that makes your stone one-of-a-kind.

  1. Origins and Price Tag Clues

   - Ethically-sourced gemstones that have followed the appropriate practices are often slightly more expensive than those bought from unreputable sellers. Furthermore, gemstones from certain areas of the world might be more difficult to come by so the price tags do vary.

So, you're now armed with the knowledge to crack the code and answer, "Is my ring stone ruby or garnet?" So, let the gemstone adventures continue, and may your rings always dazzle with the radiant allure of these precious gems!