RHODOLITE

Edwardian Era antique rhodolite & faux seed pearl bar pin

Variety:  Rhodolite
Species:  Pyrope-Almandine
Group:  Garnet
Mohs Hardness:  6.5 to 7.5 out of 10
Color:  Dark reddish purple to purplish red.  Rhodolite must have a purple component.
RI:  1.750 to 1.780
Birefringence:  None
SR/DR/AGG:  SR, often with ADR
Clarity Type:  Type II
Pleochroism:  None
Spectrum:  3 strong bands in the green and yellow at 505, 527 & 575nm
Fluorescence:  Inert
SG:  3.84 (+/- 0.10)
Routine Treatments:  None

Rhodolite Facts

Rhodolite & diamond bypass ring

Rhodolite must have a purple component.

​Rhodolite garnet may contain needle-like inclusions that intersect at 70º and 110º in the same plane.

Rhodolite may also contain high and low-relief crystals, as well as included zircon crystals.
​
​Garnet is a January birthstone and is the 2nd wedding anniversary gemstone.

Rhodolite Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)