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]
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 |