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Garnet (almandine) vs Tanzanite

Garnet (almandine) is harder (Mohs 7–7.5) than Tanzanite (Mohs 6–7), so it resists scratching better; Tanzanite is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.

Garnet (almandine) has the higher refractive index (1.790 vs 1.691–1.700), which a refractometer can use to separate them.

Garnet (almandine) is denser (SG 4.05 vs 3.35); a garnet (almandine) of the same size weighs about 21% more.

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PropertyGarnet (almandine)Tanzanite
Species / materialGarnetZoisite
Mohs hardness7–7.56–7
Refractive index1.7901.691–1.700
Specific gravity4.053.35
Crystal systemCubicOrthorhombic
BirefringenceNone (isotropic)0.008–0.013

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

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