Rhodolite

Red Garnet — Rhodolite gemstone

Rhodolite is a variety of precious garnet whose composition is intermediate between almandine and pyrope. Its name is derived from two Greek words, "rhodon" meaning rose and "lithos" meaning stone. The color spectrum of rhodolite varies widely, from purple-red to pinky-red. It is worth noting that the precious rhodolite garnet is one of the most precious kinds of red garnets.

Gemological Properties

Rhodolite is a variety of Garnet, and it has a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it an ideal gemstone for jewelry. Its color ranges from a deep purple to a bright pink, and it has a vitreous to adamantine luster. Rhodolite can display optical effects such as pleochroism, which is the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles.

When it comes to size, Rhodolite is available in various carat weights, from small accent stones to large statement pieces.

Treatment

An important advantage of rhodolites is that they are not enriched and are not synthesized in the laboratory.

Mining Locations and Methods

Rhodolite is found in various locations around the world, including:

1. Tanzania: The most well-known source of rhodolite is the Umba Valley in Tanzania, where the garnet is found in alluvial deposits.
2. Sri Lanka: Rhodolite has been found in Sri Lanka in recent years, mainly in the Ratnapura and Elahera areas.
3. Madagascar: Madagascar has become a significant source of rhodolite in recent years, with the garnet being found in alluvial deposits.
4. United States: Rhodolite has been found in several locations in the United States, including North Carolina, Montana, and Maine.

As for mining methods, rhodolite is typically found in alluvial deposits, which means that it is often mined using simple techniques such as panning, sluicing, or dredging. In some cases, underground mining may be necessary to access the garnet-bearing rocks. However, the mining of rhodolite is generally considered to be a small-scale operation, and it is not as heavily mined as other gems such as diamonds or rubies.

Price

Note that the most valuable are the bright red garnets. The price of the bright and dark kinds of red garnets can differ many times over. For instance, the price of a bright rhodolite garnet is usually much higher than that of an almandine or pyrope.

It is very difficult to buy high-quality jewelry rhodolite. On average, the price for the darker kind of these stones ranges from $80-250 per carat, while the rarer, crimson-colored stones cost $200-400, and the price for a bright, purple rhodolite weighing over 10 carats can reach $2000 per carat.

Uses

Rhodolite is a versatile gemstone that is used in a variety of jewelry designs. It is a popular choice for rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Rhodolite's deep red color makes it a popular choice for romantic and sentimental jewelry, such as engagement rings and anniversary gifts. It is also used in birthstone jewelry for those born in January, as it is an alternative birthstone for garnet.

Want to buy Rhodolite gemstone?

Browse through our catalog to find top-quality Rhodolite samples and compare prices to determine your approximate budget. Our team of experienced gemologists will guide you to make an informed decision and avoid overpaying for the stone.

Apart from our ready-to-ship inventory, we also offer customized orders to match your specific requirements and budget. Trust us to handpick the best Rhodolite gemstone for you.

We can even create bespoke jewelry with Rhodolite and deliver it to your doorstep anywhere in the world. Our full-service jewelry stores are located in Bangkok, Dubai, Moscow, Geneva, and Almaty, offering you the best in quality and craftsmanship.