Difference Between Two Alike Gemstones - Ruby and Garnet

The beautiful Red Garnet and Ruby gemstones set in rings, ordered from left to right.

The Royal Ruby and the striking Garnet are at the forefront of all red-hued gemstones, full of lively and passionate energy that’s been enchanting people for ages. Red has been associated with concepts of vitality and energy. Being the color of blood, both Ruby and the Red Garnet have numerous dramatic themes connected to them, which have become a part of their legends. These two gemstones have such shared common history and a close appearance that Red Garnets were also thought to be Ruby gemstones only until a few centuries ago.

Ruby is known as “Ratnaraja,” or the King of gemstones in Sanskrit. The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word “Rubeus,” which means Red, while the name “Garnet” comes from the Latin word “Granutus,” which means “Pomegranate,” owing to the rich red color of the gemstone. Despite their interlinked history, both these gemstones stand quite distinct in various physical, chemical, and metaphysical properties.

Ruby Meaning

Ruby's meaning stands for vitality, truth, love, and passion. It's an exceedingly beautiful stone filled with dignity and an intensely robust energy that instills vigor and warmth immediately in one's physical, emotional, and mental self. Ruby is the representation of the divine masculine energy. It's known as Manik in Hindi, with other names being Chuni/Chunni in Bengali and Kempu stone in Telugu. Vedic astrology states it to be the primary gemstone for the planet Sun. This July birthstone aligns its vibrations with the most vital Chakras of the body - the Heart Chakra and Manipura Chakra.

Garnet Meaning

Garnet is the January Birthstone and is a stone of strength and power. Garnets come in variegated colors, and the red variety known as Rhodolite is used as a substitute for Ruby in astrology. In the west, these stunning gemstones are considered as a stone for the 2nd wedding anniversary. The Red Garnet is ruled by the planet Sun; the gemstone is bestowed with several mystical properties that its wearer can enjoy. Hessonite Garnet, also known as Gomed or Gomedhikam in Hindi, is another variety of this gemstone, which is brownish-yellow like honey. Hessonite Garnet is used as the main gemstone for planet Rahu, which lies in stark contrast to red garnets being used for the planet Sun.

Major Difference b/w Ruby and Garnet

Astrological difference between Ruby and Garnet

There is a stark difference between a Ruby and a Red Garnet if one looks beyond the fact that both gemstones are ruled by the Planet Sun. Rubies are the nine main gemstones famously called Nava-Ratna in Sanskrit. Various Vedic scriptures sing accolades for this wonder gemstone, delegating enormous metaphysical properties that also step out of the domain of mere astrology. Ruby is among the four main precious gemstones and even amongst them, it's the most rare and precious colored gemstone. The grand stature of Ruby has been so vast that it has been the favorite of Royals and other great personalities in history, who at times were said to have sold entire cities for a Ruby of exceeding quality.

Though the red hue of a Ruby(left) is unmatched, Red Garnets(right) are stunningly crimson-colored as well.

Garnets can be used as substitute stones for any planet according to their color. Red Garnets are used as substitutes for the Ruby to strengthen and invoke the blessings of the planet Sun. Red Garnets show their astrological effects slower than a Ruby, which is a potent, robust, and fast-acting gemstone. Such is the astrological prowess of Ruby that its energy is stated to be, at times, hard to deal with if a person were to wear a large specimen. Therefore, those who find a Ruby overly quick can use a Red Garnet instead.

Conclusion

Only the red variety of all Garnets is similar to a Ruby in appearance. Apart from the similar appearance and the astrological affiliation to the Sun, these gemstones have considerably different properties, giving both their unique identity. The differences in these stones allow individuals to use whichever gem they find helpful according to their specific needs. Many people have been in love with these two red gemstones and continue to be so due to their sheer beauty and metaphysical properties.

FAQs

1. What are the primary differences between garnet and ruby?

1. Garnet: Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, and even colorless. The most common red garnet is almandine.
2. Ruby: Ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum. It is primarily red due to the presence of chromium, which gives it its rich, vivid color.

2. How do the colors of garnet and ruby differ?

1. Garnet: While garnets can come in various shades of red, they often have a brownish or orange tint. Some garnets can also be deep red or even purple-red.
2. Ruby: Rubies are typically more vibrant and pure in red color, often with a pinkish or purplish hue. The finest rubies are known for their "pigeon blood" red color, which is a deep, vivid red with a hint of blue.

3. Which is harder, garnet or ruby?

1. Garnet: Garnet has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
2. Ruby: Ruby is significantly harder with a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamond.

4. Are garnet and ruby both considered precious stones?

1. Garnet: Garnets are generally classified as semi-precious stones, though some rare varieties like demantoid garnet can be considered precious.
2. Ruby: Ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, along with sapphire, emerald, and diamond.

5. Which is more valuable, garnet or ruby?

1. Ruby: Generally, rubies are more valuable due to their rarity, hardness, and status as a precious stone. High-quality rubies can be extremely expensive.
2. Garnet: Garnet is more commonly available and tends to be less expensive, though certain rare types of garnet can be quite valuable.