Bloodstone Vs. Garnet


Bloodstone is a popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Garnet is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is a group of silicates.[2]

Images of bloodstone

Images of garnet


Quick Facts on Differences of Bloodstone and Garnet

For a quick recap of the differences bloodstone and garnet:
  • While both bloodstone and garnet is opaque, garnet can be translucent or transparent.
  • For chemical formulas, bloodstone is SiO2 while garnet is X3Y2(SiO4)4.
  • While both bloodstone and garnet can be vitreous, in terms of luster, bloodstone can be waxy and garnet can be adamantine, resinous or submetallic.
  • While both bloodstone and garnet can be commonly red, garnet is often black, blue, brown, gray, green, orange, pink, purple or yellow.
  • Bloodstone's rarity is more rare than garnet.
  • Bloodstone's specific gravity is lower than garnet - bloodstone ranges from 2.55 to 2.7 and garnet ranges from 3.4 to 4.3.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Bloodstone and Garnet

The similarities of bloodstone and garnet include:
  • Bloodstone and garnet both streak colorless.
  • Bloodstone's hardness overlaps with garnet - bloodstone ranges from 6.5 to 7 and garnet ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale.

Summary of Bloodstone

Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a dark green gemstone with red speckles or spots that resemble drops of blood. The red spots are caused by iron oxide or hematite. Bloodstone is a type of chalcedony, which is a mineral in the quartz family. Bloodstone can be identified by its deep green color and red spots. It has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a durable gemstone.

Summary of Garnet

Garnet is a popular mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks. It is a silicate mineral that is composed of calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminum, and chromium. Garnet has a distinct reddish-brown color, but it can also be found in shades of green, yellow, orange, and black. It is a hard mineral and has a Mohs hardness scale rating of 6.5-7.5.

Table Comparison of Bloodstone vs Garnet

Bloodstone (src) Garnet (src)
Transparency opaque transparent, translucent, opaque
Chemical Formula SiO2 X3Y2(SiO4)4
Chemical Composition silicon dioxide a group of silicates
Specific Gravity 2.55, 2.7 3.4, 4.3
Hardness 6.5, 7 6.5, 7.5
Streak colorless colorless
Refractive Index 1.53, 1.543 1.72, 1.95
Hydrous No No
Colors common: red
sometimes: brown, green, orange, multicolor
common: red, blue, gray, pink, black, brown, green, orange, purple, yellow
Fracture conchoidal conchoidal, uneven


Compare Minerals

Mineral missing
Mineral missing