Jewelry IdentifierRed Gemstones
Ruby is the most valuable red gemstone; garnet, red spinel, and rubellite tourmaline are more affordable reds.
Red in gems comes mostly from chromium or iron. Ruby is the prize, but red spinel and garnet are frequently mistaken for it. Here's how to identify a red stone.
| Red gemstone | Hardness (Mohs) | What it is / how to spot it | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby | 9 | The most valuable red gem — chromium-colored corundum; July's birthstone. | High |
| Red spinel | 8 | Historically confused with ruby (many 'crown rubies' are spinel); pure, bright red. | Mid–High |
| Pyrope / almandine garnet | 6.5–7.5 | Deep brownish-red to blood-red; the most common natural red gem. | Low |
| Rubellite tourmaline | 7–7.5 | Vivid pink-red to ruby-red tourmaline. | Mid |
| Red beryl (bixbite) | 7.5–8 | Extremely rare raspberry-red beryl from Utah. | Very High |
| Carnelian | 6–7 | Translucent orange-red chalcedony, usually cut as cabochons. | Low |
| Red jasper | 6.5–7 | Opaque brick-red quartz used for beads and cabochons. | Low |
| Red zircon | 6.5–7.5 | Natural brilliant red-brown stone with high fire. | Low–Mid |
| Coral (red) | 3–4 | Organic red-to-oxblood skeleton of marine coral; soft. | Low–Mid |
How to identify your red stone
Color alone won't confirm a gemstone — several red stones look alike but differ in hardness, weight, and value. The fastest way to know what you have is to photograph it and run it through the free Gemstone Identifier, then confirm whether it's natural or a simulant with the Is It Real? tool. For what the piece is worth, get a free jewelry appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
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