Garnet (almandine) vs Zircon
Garnet (almandine) is harder (Mohs 7–7.5) than Zircon (Mohs 6.5–7.5), so it resists scratching better; Zircon is softer than quartz dust (7) and needs more care in everyday rings.
Zircon has the higher refractive index (1.925–1.984 vs 1.790), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
Zircon is denser (SG 4.69 vs 4.05); a zircon of the same size weighs about 16% more.
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| Property | Garnet (almandine) | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Garnet | Zircon |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.790 | 1.925–1.984 |
| Specific gravity | 4.05 | 4.69 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Tetragonal |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) | 0.059 |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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