Hessonite vs. Garnet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Hessonite is a specific variety of garnet known for its honey-yellow to reddish-brown colors, whereas garnet is a group of silicate minerals used in jewelry and industrial applications.
Difference Between Hessonite and Garnet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hessonite is a type of grossular garnet, characterized by its cinnamon color, often referred to as the 'cinnamon stone'. In contrast, garnets are a broader category encompassing various minerals with different colors and properties.
The chemical composition of hessonite includes calcium and aluminum with traces of manganese and iron, giving it a unique color spectrum. Garnets, however, can contain a variety of metals like magnesium, iron, and chromium, influencing their color and hardness.
In terms of hardness, hessonite typically has a slightly lower Mohs hardness rating of about 7 to 7.5, making it somewhat more susceptible to scratches. On the other hand, other garnets can range from 6.5 to 7.5, depending on their exact composition.
Hessonite garnets are primarily sourced from Sri Lanka, India, and Africa, which affects their availability and market value. Whereas garnets are found worldwide, leading to a broader availability and varying price points.
In crystal healing, hessonite is believed to bring clarity and mental relief, promoting financial stability. Meanwhile, garnets are often associated with protection and strength, offering broader spiritual and physical benefits.
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Comparison Chart
Color
Honey-yellow to reddish-brown
Various colors
Chemical Composition
Calcium aluminum silicate
Various metal silicates
Hardness (Mohs Scale)
7-7.5
6.5-7.5
Typical Sources
Sri Lanka, India, Africa
Global
Healing Properties
Clarity, mental relief
Protection, strength
Compare with Definitions
Hessonite
A variety of garnet with a cinnamon color.
The necklace featured a stunning hessonite centerpiece.
Garnet
Comes in a variety of colors including red, green, yellow, and purple.
Garnets are prized for their wide range of colors.
Hessonite
Sourced mainly from Sri Lanka, India, and Africa.
The finest hessonite stones are often found in Sri Lanka.
Garnet
Found in many parts of the world, making them relatively accessible.
Garnet deposits are abundant in the United States.
Hessonite
Known for its honey-yellow to reddish-brown colors.
She admired the hessonite's warm hues.
Garnet
Associated with protective properties in crystal healing.
Wearing a garnet is believed to offer protection and strength.
Hessonite
Typically softer than other garnets with a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5.
Hessonite is beautiful but requires careful handling to avoid scratches.
Garnet
A group of silicate minerals widely used in jewelry.
Her garnet ring sparkled under the light.
Hessonite
Used in jewelry and believed to have astrological benefits.
Astrologers often recommend wearing hessonite for financial prosperity.
Garnet
Hardness can vary, but typically falls between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Garnets are durable enough for everyday jewelry.
Hessonite
Variant of essonite.
Garnet
Garnets ( ) are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. All species of garnets possess similar physical properties and crystal forms, but differ in chemical composition.
Hessonite
An orange, cinnamon, or pinkish garnet.
Garnet
Any of several common, widespread aluminum or calcium silicate minerals occurring in two internally isomorphic series, (Mg, Mn, Fe)3Al2Si3O12 and Ca3(Cr, Al, Fe)2Si3O12, generally crystallized, often embedded in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and colored red, brown, black, green, yellow, or white and used both as gemstones and as abrasives.
Hessonite
A garnet ranging in color from yellow to brown
Garnet
A dark to very dark red.
Garnet
(mineral) A hard transparent mineral that is often used as gemstones and abrasives.
Garnet
A dark red color, like that of the gemstone.
Garnet
Of a dark red colour.
Garnet
A mineral having many varieties differing in color and in their constituents, but with the same crystallization (isometric), and conforming to the same general chemical formula. The commonest color is red, the luster is vitreous, and the hardness greater than that of quartz. The dodecahedron and trapezohedron are the common forms.
Garnet
A tackle for hoisting cargo in or out.
Garnet
Any of a group of hard glassy minerals (silicates of various metals) used as gemstones and as an abrasive
Common Curiosities
Where is hessonite typically found?
Hessonite is primarily found in Sri Lanka, India, and Africa.
What is hessonite?
Hessonite is a type of grossular garnet known for its cinnamon stone color.
Is there a difference in the chemical composition of hessonite and other garnets?
Yes, hessonite contains calcium and aluminum, while other garnets may have different metals.
What are the healing properties of garnet?
Garnet is believed to provide protection and strength.
Can hessonite be used in everyday jewelry?
Yes, but it should be handled with care due to its relative softness.
Are garnets expensive?
The price of garnets varies depending on the type and quality.
How can I care for my garnet jewelry?
Garnet jewelry should be cleaned gently and stored separately to avoid scratches.
Why is hessonite called the 'cinnamon stone'?
Its cinnamon-like color gives hessonite this nickname.
How does hessonite differ from other garnets?
Hessonite has a unique cinnamon color and is slightly softer than other garnets.
What are the typical uses of garnet?
Garnet is used in jewelry, abrasive materials, and as gemstones.
How do hessonite and garnet differ in hardness?
Hessonite generally has a lower hardness than other types of garnet.
What colors do garnets come in?
Garnets can be red, green, yellow, purple, and more.
What are the astrological benefits of wearing hessonite?
Hessonite is said to enhance financial stability and clarity.
What are the industrial uses of garnet?
Garnet is used as an abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting.
Which garnet is suitable for an engagement ring?
Due to its hardness and variety of colors, garnet can be a unique choice for an engagement ring.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
