How to Compare Garnet & Carnelian

Although garnet and carnelian are both semi-precious gemstones available in similar colors, there are some major differences between the two stones. Unlike carnelian, garnet is also available in a rainbow of colors. However both stones have a similar hardness, streak and luster. Telling the two stones apart is an important step in determining the value of the gemstone.

Instructions

1

Place the stones under a microscope and look at each one closely. In a garnet, you will be able to see the crystals, and in a carnelian you will not. Garnets are formed by crystals out of a combination of the minerals calcium, magnesium, ferrous iron, manganese, aluminum, ferric iron, chromium or, in rare cases, titanium with silicon dioxide. Carnelian, on the other hand is a form of quartz comprised of silicon dioxide and hematite into crystals that are too small to be seen with a microscope.

2

Compare the clarity of each stone. A natural carnelian will be cloudy, while the clarity of the garnet is more transparent.

3

Weigh the pieces of carnelian and garnet. The specific gravity of the garnet is a four, while the specific gravity of the carnelian is 2.6. This means that with two equal-sized pieces of these stones, the garnet will weigh more.

4

Look at the color of the stones. While all carnelians are reds, browns and oranges, only most garnets are in this color scheme. Garnets are also available in a wide variety of colors from black to yellow or green.

5

Look at the stones to examine cuts vs. polishing. A carnelian gemstone is almost always simply polished, while garnets are cut into facets.