Tourmaline vs Garnet (almandine)
Tourmaline and Garnet (almandine) have similar hardness (Mohs 7–7.5).
Garnet (almandine) has the higher refractive index (1.790 vs 1.624–1.644), which a refractometer can use to separate them.
Garnet (almandine) is denser (SG 4.05 vs 3.06); a garnet (almandine) of the same size weighs about 32% more.
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| Property | Tourmaline | Garnet (almandine) |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Tourmaline | Garnet |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 7–7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.624–1.644 | 1.790 |
| Specific gravity | 3.06 | 4.05 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | Cubic |
| Birefringence | 0.014–0.021 | None (isotropic) |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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