As far back as we have looked into the existence of Homo sapiens, we have associated ourselves with precious stones for the purpose of depicting status. If you are not very knowledgeable in gems, one might ask whether garnet and ruby, both deep red stones, are distinct in any way. However, when comparing Ruby vs Garnet, for centuries all red gemstones were called ‘rubies,’ but we now know the difference in hardness, the formation process that determines aspects of color in a gemstone, rarity, and clarity between a ruby and a garnet, for instance.
Considering the February birthstones, it seems impossible to find a contender that would be as enigmatic as ruby and garnet. Note that these two stones have their history, beautiful colors, meanings, and applications in common. The characteristics of these gems will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on their origin, properties, where they are obtained from, and their general uses to enable our reader to make a well-informed decision on the best gem for his or her needs.
The rubella of this blog post is solely to differentiate between ruby and garnet on many significant factors like origin, general properties, worth, molecular structure, and astrology benefits. By the time you read my blog post Ruby vs Garnet, you will be fully equipped to compare Ruby vs Garnet and choose the best gemstone for you.
Table of Contents
Ruby vs Garnet: Chemical composition
The ruby is one of the most famous “Big Four” gemstones scientifically called corundum. However, Corundum by itself also forms other colors and these are labeled as sapphires simply. Corundum has atoms of two chemical elements which include aluminum and oxygen.
Garnets belong to silicates or silicon and oxygen chemicals. Out of them, more than twenty garnets are grouped in categories called species. Only around five are important in the gem industry: pyrope, spessartine, andradite, almandite, and rosulate.
The Basics: Ruby vs Garnet?
Let’s delve into the basics of ruby vs garnet:
Ruby
Ruby is a gemstone of the mineral species corundum and is composed chiefly of aluminum oxide. Its composition contains chromium, which has given the bracelet this bright red color. The highest quality rubies have an even tone and intensity of red color, with the ideal shade known as “pigeon’s blood” red. They are one of the four Natural gemstones in the world, which are more valuable than all other types of gemstones, called “precious gemstones”, including diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.
Key Characteristics of Ruby
Color:
Ranges from pink to deep red.
Hardness:
9 according to the Mohs scale which makes it one of the hardest gemstones globally.
Clarity:
The best rubies are also mostly eye-clean, or in other words, they do not contain any gemological features visible to the naked eye.
Origin:
Other sources are Myanmar, Thailand, India, and Mozambique.
Garnet
Garnet is not one kind of mineral but a group of silicate minerals which are found in many colours but the common one is red. Much like ruby, the red garnet is by far the most popular type but garnets can be found in almost every color of the rainbow some popular types are almandine red, pyrope deep red, and tsavorite green.
Key Characteristics of Garnet:
Color:
Comes in many different colors including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, and black.
Hardness:
6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which is lower than that of ruby.
Clarity:
Especially seen in garnets, high-clarity stones are also common for the holes to be seen.
Origin:
Some of the common sources include Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the US.
Visual Appeal: Ruby vs Garnet
When comparing Ruby vs Garnet, visual appeal is pivotal:
Ruby
It is, however, common knowledge that rubies have that mysterious appeal because of their color. The vivid shade of red is generally associated with passion, love, and vitality all the same. Their luster and clarity may also be improved by skillful cutting that can allow the stone to reflect light more effectively and generally make the stone look more attractive.
Garnet
Rubies only come in a limited number of shades, while garnets cover a greater part of the spectrum, so if you need variety, garnets might be the better option. While the red garnet (almandine) may be nearly identical to ruby, garnets have other shades as their selling point: the intense green of tsavorite or the kidney-bursting orange of spessartine. They are however generally not as brilliant as ruby due to lesser hardness and different arrangement of crystal.
Durability and Care: Ruby vs Garnet
Durability and care is an important factor when discussing ruby vs garnet:
Ruby
Rubies are very hard gemstones measuring 9 on the MOHS scale, and therefore should ideally be used for daily wear. It is extremely durable; they do not easily scratch or chip and therefore are ideal for specials such as engagement rings or any other jewelry that is frequently used. That is all you need to do to maintain rubies: clean them with mild soap and water.
Garnet
That is why garnets can be scratched more easily than rubies have a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, hence they should be handled carefully. Although it is possible to wear them throughout the day, they should be removed during any activity that could cause impact or friction. These bags are suggested to be washed with warm soapy water for cleanliness to retain their beauty.
Symbolism and Historical Significance: Ruby vs Garnet
Most people are interested in the symbolism when it comes to ruby vs garnet:
Ruby
Originally, rubies symbolized authority, intensity, and safeguarding. In different cultures they were regarded as objects with magical powers, protecting from evil, and symbolizing happiness. As per the ancient Indian belief, ruby is the “king of gem” and is still associated with love or love-making.
Garnet
Garnets have been used since ancient times by human beings. They were applied as amulets during fights and as elements that help to strengthen a person’s health. The garnets are worn today to symbolize friendship, trust intimate bonds, love, and loyalty. Each color of garnet carries its own symbolism, adding to the stone’s mystique.
Price Comparison: Ruby vs Garnet
Price plays an important role when you want to make a decision about which one to buy, ruby vs garnet:
Ruby
In general, rubies cost more than garnets – and even more so, top-grade stones with intense color saturation or good clarity. Some of the influencing aspects that one comes across concerning the price are color solidity, size as well as origin. That is why the closer to its natural state the ruby is the higher its price to be if it is a Burmese ruby.
Garnet
Garnets are cheaper compared to other gemstones and the cost will depend on the type of garnet and the color. However, there are also some more rare forms of garnets and although these are very expensive the majority of garnets are affordable for a wider population, which is great for those who seek gorgeous stones, but don’t want to pay too much.
Conclusion: Ruby vs Garnet, Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
In the final analysis, the election between the ruby vs garnet remains a preference issue based on intended use.
Go for Ruby if
You are looking for an eternal and sturdy substance, which is associated with love and passion. Rubies are well suited for large works of jewelry art like engagement rings or an inherited item. Though ruby can be considered a precious stone of the gem family, they normally do not depreciate or lose value like garnets. No fluctuation has been observed and its value rather constantly increases with time for centuries.
Provided that a ruby is set in gold or platinum and is maintained properly, the jewelry will last for generations. Maybe even generations. You can take it after you and hand it down to your generation as a family heirloom or family treasure. The funny thing about ruby jewelry is that there real only one issue – how much you are willing to pay.
Opt for Garnet if
They care about flexibility and a larger set of offering colors. If one is interested in making pieces that are one-of-a-kind garnets are an ideal choice as they cost less than other gemstones to achieve this. Another factor a lot of people appreciate in garnet is its moderate price, meaning it can be considered an excellent pseudo cubic stone. It looks best when worn in white gold or silver but it can also look great in yellow gold. If you are in a bit of a fix on what kind, of jewelry to purchase, one that will not require a lot of spending on nonetheless, why not opt for garnet jewelry?
Ruby vs Garnet: What’s the final word?
Ruby vs garnet which one is the right gemstone for you? Each of these stones may have different benefits that nobody can deny. However, in general, both types are ideal for those who want to buy an exquisite ruby-colored stone. Rubies make wonderful birthday gifts for someone with a July birthday or as anniversary gifts for the 15th or 40th celebration, to name a few examples.
If you know somebody who likes wearing different-color gems, or if it is the bride and groom’s second anniversary, the recipient of garnet jewelry will thank you for the gift. That’s right Now that you have taken the time to learn all there is to know about ruby vs garnet it will be easy to find the right stone.
Depending on the type, color, and cut, both ruby and garnet are precious gemstones to lovers of these stones. Norms apart, again ruby and garnet have their distinctive appeal in the spirit of jewelry or the world at large.
FAQs about Ruby vs Garnet
Q1. What is better, garnet or ruby?
Most people ask about ruby vs garnet, which one is better? If you want to get through an intense red gemstone and at the same time, not as costly, then a garnet might suit you the best. Instead, due to its extreme hardness, the ruby is inserted in exclusive jewelry like an engagement ring or a wedding band.
Q2. Is garnet more precious than ruby?
With garnet being costlier than ruby, still, both Garnet Jewelry and Ruby Jewelry still have their own uses and healing properties. The term garnet applies in the line of a broad group of silicate minerals that contain various chemical contents but exhibit similar physical and chemical properties.
Q3. How can you tell a ruby from a garnet?
Ruby is normally a more luminous or richer red than the garnet. Nonetheless, red garnet rather extends the color range from the decided purple-red to a much deeper and sable red. It also depends on the type of garnet involved as some result in different effects on the ruby’s color. If you are a fan of ruby red or the more traditional garnet hue – these two stones will certainly bring that extra touch of finesse to even the most commonplace environment.
Q4. Who should not wear ruby?
Taurus ascendants should not wear Ruby gemstones if the Sun does not have a favorable placement from the Lunar ascendant. Ruby gemstone should be considered in Gemini Ascendant if the sun is placed in the third house or the eleventh house and the sun Mahadasa or the sub-period is running for the individual.
Q5. Is garnet a fake ruby?
In other words, red ruby gemstones exist, but garnet gemstones come in different colors. The ruby is also known as the king of gems and as one would expect the red color in the rubies originates from chromium compounds. These even-tinged gemstones better absorb green and yellow, which helps deepen their blood-red coloration.
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