Is this garnet? Could it be ruby?

[Probee]

At first glance I thought it was a ruby but is listed as a garnet. I know a good garnet can be a nice red. What are your thoughts?

 

[Autumn in New England]

I can see why you might think it's a ruby, but it is likely a garnet. I know since Niel found a yellow sapphire listed as citrine, it's gotten people's hopes up for finding such a deal. But that's a rarity for sure! Still, if there's a return policy, you can always grab it and have it tested?

 

[glitterata]

My first thought would be synthetic ruby.

 

[Bron357]

The quickest way to check is using a UV light. Garnets never have fluorescence.
However, if it glows it could also be lab grown ruby.

 

[Probee]

My first thought would be synthetic ruby.

Can you provide more details? Synthetic ruby I see at chain stores have better clarity usually.

 

[glitterata]

Can you provide more details? Synthetic ruby I see at chain stores have better clarity usually.

I can't tell much about the clarity from the photos. Did you see it in person? Can you describe the inclusions?

I second @Bron357 's suggestion of shining a UV flashlight on it.

 

[Autumn in New England]

The quickest way to check is using a UV light. Garnets never have fluorescence.
However, if it glows it could also be lab grown ruby.

This is great advice, OP! Reds and pinks rarely fluoresce... grossulars/tsavorites do though.

 

[Probee]

It’s looks like it’s from a low tech pawnshop. They list all red stones as garnet. Some blue listed as birthstone and no actual name. Light blue listed as Topaz. It’s possible it’s synthetic as the setting is not finely crafted. I asked for a video in sunlight so hopefully we can see clarity better.

 

[Probee]

Another one also listed as garnet…

 

[Probee]

I can't tell much about the clarity from the photos. Did you see it in person? Can you describe the inclusions?

I second @Bron357 's suggestion of shining a UV flashlight on it.

Good point. I’ll ask for more photos and videos. Thank you.

 

[Probee]

Too clean and likely synthetic?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Yeah, I'm starting to agree with @glitterata... I don't think this is a garnet either. Synthetic corundum for the win.