AllMineralsRock
Garnet Vs. Topaz
Garnet is a very popular gemstone composed of a group of silicates.[1] Topaz is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is aluminum silicate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Garnet and Topaz
For a quick recap of the differences garnet and topaz:- For chemical formulas, garnet is X3Y2(SiO4)4 while topaz can be Al2SiO4(F or OH)2.
- While both garnet and topaz can be vitreous, in terms of luster, garnet can be adamantine, resinous or submetallic.
- While both garnet and topaz can be commonly blue, brown, pink, red or yellow, garnet can be commonly black, gray, green, orange or purple.
- Garnet's rarity is less rare than topaz.
- Garnet's hardness is lower than topaz - garnet ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 and topaz is 8 on the Moh's scale.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Garnet and Topaz
The similarities of garnet and topaz include:- Garnet and topaz both can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Garnet and topaz both streak colorless.
- Garnet's specific gravity overlaps with topaz - garnet ranges from 3.4 to 4.3 and topaz ranges from 3.5 to 3.51.
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.Summary of Topaz
Topaz is a mineral that belongs to the silicate family. It is a popular gemstone, renowned for its beautiful colors and excellent clarity. Topaz is commonly found in many locations around the world, including Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States. It is a hard mineral, with a Mohs hardness scale rating of 8. This makes it an ideal gemstone for use in jewelry, as it is resistant to scratches and wear and tear.Table Comparison of Garnet vs Topaz
| Garnet (src) | Topaz (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | X3Y2(SiO4)4 | Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | a group of silicates | aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.4, 4.3 | 3.5, 3.51, 3.53, 3.54, 3.56, 3.56, 3.57, 3.57 |
| Hardness | 6.5, 7.5 | 8 |
| Streak | colorless | colorless |
| Refractive Index | 1.72, 1.95 | 1.607, 1.649 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: red, blue, gray, pink, black, brown, green, orange, purple, yellow |
common: pink, red, blue, brown, yellow sometimes: green less common: tan, gray, pale, beige, white, orange, purple, colorless, multicolor |
| Category | nesosilicate | nesosilicate |
| Birefringence | none | δ = 0.010 |
| Fracture | conchoidal, uneven | conchoidal, subconchoidal |