Global Gemology - Rare Gems & Jewels
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RHODOLITE

Picture
Edwardian Era antique 18K gold bar pin set with rhodolite garnet & iridescent glass faux seed pearls
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

Picture
Rhodolite garnet and diamond bypass ring in 14K gold, by designer, David Trabich
Rhodolite & diamond bypass ring

Rhodolite must have a purple component.

​Rhodolite garnet may contain needle-like inclusions that intersect at 70
º 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

Picture

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

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SHOP
  • SERVICES
    • APPRAISALS
    • EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
    • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY