Garnet: More Than a January Birthstone
TL;DR: Garnet isn't a single gemstone but a family of related minerals occurring in nearly every colour except blue, most commonly deep red. At 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale it's durable enough for daily wear, and considerably more affordable than most comparably coloured gemstones.
A Family, Not a Single Stone
Garnet describes a group of closely related mineral species — including pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, and andradite — sharing a similar crystal structure but varying in chemical composition and colour. This is why garnet appears in such a wide range of colours despite being thought of as a single gemstone.
The Colour Range
Deep red is the most historically associated colour and remains the most commonly available, but garnet also occurs in orange (spessartine), vivid green (tsavorite and demantoid), and a colour-change variety that shifts between blue-green and red-purple depending on lighting, similar in effect to alexandrite though caused by a different mechanism.
Durability for Daily Wear
At 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, garnet is durable enough for an engagement ring or any daily-wear piece, comparable to more familiar gemstones like peridot and considerably harder than opal or pearl. It takes a good polish and holds up well over years of regular wear.
Why Garnet Is Good Value
Common red garnet is one of the more affordable gemstones available at genuine quality, making it accessible for larger centre stones or more elaborate settings than an equivalent budget would achieve in sapphire or ruby. The rarer green varieties — tsavorite and demantoid in particular — command significantly higher prices reflecting their genuine scarcity.
Garnet at À Vie Diamonds
We can source garnet across its colour range, from accessible red stones to rare tsavorite and demantoid greens. Get in touch to discuss a commission.
Related Reading
- Peridot: A Complete Guide
- Citrine: A Complete Guide — another good-value colour gemstone
Frequently Asked Questions
Is garnet only red? No — garnet is a family of related minerals occurring in nearly every colour except blue, including green, orange, and colour-change varieties.
Is garnet durable enough for an engagement ring? Yes, at 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, garnet is genuinely durable for daily wear.
Why is green garnet more expensive than red garnet? Green varieties like tsavorite and demantoid are considerably rarer than common red garnet, which drives a significant price difference despite both being garnet.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds