Advertisement
Ad space (header)

Garnet (almandine) vs Jadeite jade

Garnet (almandine) is harder (Mohs 7–7.5) than Jadeite jade (Mohs 6.5–7), so it resists scratching better; Jadeite jade is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.

Garnet (almandine) has the higher refractive index (1.790 vs 1.66), which a refractometer can use to separate them.

Garnet (almandine) is denser (SG 4.05 vs 3.34); a garnet (almandine) of the same size weighs about 21% more.

Advertisement
Ad space (in-content)
PropertyGarnet (almandine)Jadeite jade
Species / materialGarnetJadeite (pyroxene)
Mohs hardness7–7.56.5–7
Refractive index1.7901.66
Specific gravity4.053.34
Crystal systemCubicMonoclinic (aggregate)
BirefringenceNone (isotropic)Not usually measurable

Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.

Test it yourself

More comparisons

Advertisement
Ad space (footer)