Spinel vs Garnet (almandine)
Spinel is harder (Mohs 8) than Garnet (almandine) (Mohs 7–7.5), so it resists scratching better.
Garnet (almandine) has the higher refractive index (1.790 vs 1.718), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Garnet (almandine) is denser (SG 4.05 vs 3.6); a garnet (almandine) of the same size weighs about 13% more.
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| Property | Spinel | Garnet (almandine) |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Spinel | Garnet |
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 7–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.718 | 1.790 |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 | 4.05 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Cubic |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) | None (isotropic) |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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