Learn about Rhodolite
Rhodolite gets its name from the Greek word ‘rhodon’ which means ‘rose.’ Such an apt name for this pretty stone!
Rhodolite
- Garnet group of minerals
- 7 to 7.5 Mohs
- Positivity
Round
Pear
Oval
Overview
When we mention garnet, most of us imagine a deep red gemstone. But surprisingly, it comes in a variety of species and blends; which means it is available in an assortment of stunning hues. Rhodolite happens to be its purple-red variety.It is believed to have been first discovered at the turn of the 19th century in North Carolina, the USA, and its composition is closely related to pyrope and almandine garnet
While references related to ancient symbolism of garnet can be found in abundance, the same is not the case when it comes to the rhodolite.
1. Key Origin
- Mined in different parts of the world - India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Brazil being common sources
- The Umba River Valley in Tanzania, however, is known for being home to some of the best quality rhodolite gemstones in the world
2. Associations
- Rhodolite is associated with love and passion.
- Rhodolite has a slightly more sensuous appeal to it.
- Popular in crystal therapy and is used for emotional healing and to balance the flow of energies in the body
Properties
Rated 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
01Hardness & Strength
The Mohs scale was developed to measure the hardness of a mineral and give it a subsequent rating from 1 to 10. While 1 represents extreme malleability, 10 indicates exceptional hardness. Rhodolite has a rating of 7-7.5, which means it is quite durable. You can consider wearing this gem in a variety of jewelry and different settings. As with any gemstone, however, it must be treated with love and care.
02Treatment
The intense hue of this gem is completely natural. The majority of the rhodolite stones available in the market do not require any kind of artificial enhancements or treatments. It is possible to come across ‘synthetic rhodolites’, which are essentially just lookalikes. To ensure you’re buying real and natural rhodolites, make the purchase only from a reputed brand and always check for the Certificate of Authenticity.
The 4C’s
The below-mentioned factors help determine a rhodolite's true value:
- Color
- Carat
- Clarity
- Cuts
01Color
- An excellent quality tsavorite displays a rich green color that is intense without being too dark or cloudy.
- Vanadium is responsible for its eye-catching hue.
- Avoid stones pale in color or have a yellow undertone, opt for vibrant green tsavorites.
02Carat
- It’s easy to find this gem is different carat weights, with 1 and 2 carats being popular options
- The price of the stone does increase considerably once it crosses the 1-carat mark
- An heirloom grade rhodolite in lesser carat weight will always be a better option
03Clarity
- It’s normal for rhodolite, to have flaws/inclusions.
- Rhodolites are blessed with good saturation and deep color, so most flaws are not visible.
- Strictly avoid stones that have inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.
04Cuts
- Rhodolite is available in a variety of shapes, with oval, pear, and round being the most common options.
- Well-faceted rhodolites exude maximum brilliance.
- Pick a stone that looks radiant and showcases a clean cut when viewed from all angles
Quality & Grading
Unlike diamonds, there is no standard grading system for this gem. However, based on different physical attributes, rhodolites can be graded into the following categories:
| Gem Quality | Color | Clarity | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Vivid Purplish Red | Eye Clean | Very High | Top 1% |
Bezel-Set Pear Rhodolite Leverback Drop Earrings$1,151 |
| Best (AAA) |  Medium Purplish Red | Eye Clean | High | Top 10% |
Bezel-Set Rhodolite Teardrop Earrings with Diamond$1,097 |
| Better (AA) |  Medium to Dark Reddish Purple | Slightly Included | Medium | Top 33% |
Classic Claw-Set Pear Rhodolite Solitaire Stud Earrings$989 |
| Good (A) |  Dark Reddish Purple | Moderately Included | Low | Top 75% |
Rhodolite Teardrop Pendant with Diamond Halo$1,610 |
Care Instructions
The rhodolite is a unique-looking gem that’s sure to effortlessly grab attention. The fact that it’s a considerably durable stone makes it perfect for everyday wear. To maintain its beauty and shine, keep the following easy tips in mind.
FAQs
1. Is rhodolite a natural gemstone?
Yes, rhodolite is a natural gemstone. It is a variety of garnet, known for its stunning rose pink to deep purple hues. This gemstone forms naturally in the Earth's crust and is prized for its vibrant color, and symbolism.
2. How does rhodolite differ from other garnet varieties?
Rhodolite is lighter and more transparent than other garnet types such as almandine or pyrope. It also has a distinctive rose pink to purplish-red hue, which sets it apart.
3. What gives rhodolite its color?
The stunning colors of rhodolite come from trace amounts of iron and manganese present in its crystal structure.
4. How durable is rhodolite for fine jewelry?
With a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, rhodolite is durable enough for everyday wear, making it a reliable choice for fine jewelry that combines beauty and longevity.
5. Are rhodolites treated to enhance their appearance?
Rhodolites are typically untreated, which enhances their value and appeal in fine jewelry, as their natural color and brilliance are already exceptional.
Latest Pick from Rhodolite Jewelry
- Tapered Shank Rhodolite Solitaire Ring with Diamond Accents$2,109
- Oval Rhodolite Three Stone Criss-Cross Ring$1,389
- Solitaire Oval Rhodolite Criss Cross Ring with Diamonds$1,489
- Semi Bezel-Set Solitaire Round Rhodolite Bypass Ring$2,139
- Classic Oval Rhodolite Criss-Cross Cocktail Ring$1,519
- Round Rhodolite Halo Ring with Diamond Accents$1,539
- Oval Solitaire Rhodolite Cocktail Ring$1,519
- Amaryllis Scalloped Shank Ring$15,379
Know About Other Gems
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Moonstone
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How did the ancient civilization mine peridots? They set out in the night and used a lamp to spot this gem that shimmered in an olive green hue. This was the perfect reason for it to be christened the “evening emerald” by the Romans.
Sapphire
Some jewels need no introduction. Their magnificence does all the talking, and sapphire is a fine example of this. From royals and aristocrats to those with a penchant for pure luxury – everyone has a special place in their heart for this enchanting jewel.
Opal
A symbol of hope and purity, an opal comes packed with a vivid ‘play-of-color’ that is reminiscent of fireworks in the night sky. Find out more about this gem that has charmed many great personalities, including William Shakespeare.
Tourmaline
Renowned for its extensive and exciting color spectrum, this gem is an absolute treat for the eyes. While pink happens to be one of its most popular shades, tourmalines in bi-colors and tri-colors are also very much in demand. Learn more about this jewel with the help of our informational guide.
Swiss Blue Topaz
Did you know? The name of this gem is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’, which means ‘fire’. Also, blue is not the only color this gem is available is. You can find topaz in multiple hues, including yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Read our guide to know more interesting details about this eye-catching gem.
Citrine
Blessed with a cheery sunny shade, this jewel doesn’t have to do much to grab attention. But do you know the history and the symbolism of the vibrant citrine? Discover all the interesting information about this honey-yellow beauty right here.
Tanzanite
The more you read about tanzanite, the more fascinating and alluring it gets. From the intriguing folklores about its birth to the fact that it’s rarer than diamonds, this gemstone is brimming with mystery and spellbinding beauty.
Turquoise
Did you know? Turquoise is one of the official birthstones of December. Its summery sky hue earned it the title of ‘mefkat,’ which translates to ‘gem of joy.’ Discover more such interesting information, along with quality grading details that will help you make an informed purchase.
Morganite
This peachy stunner is named after the renowned American gemstone collector and banker – John Pierpont Morgan. Not only is it popular in the jewelry industry, but also in the field of crystal healing. This gem is also believed to attract and nurture love.
Onyx
Is this gem as intriguing as its name? Yes, it definitely is. According to legends, onyx is believed to have come from Venus – the goddess of love. That’s not all. Many ancient cultures even considered it a lucky talisman. Continue reading to know more about this fascinating gem.
Tsavorite
Tsavorite may remind you of the emerald, but this sensational green gem happens to be an expensive variety of grossular garnet. What’s more, it cannot be found anywhere else on earth besides Africa. Good-looking and rare, this jewel promises to be a valuable discovery.
Rhodolite
Did you know? Rhodolite derives its name from the Greek word ‘rhodon’ which means ‘rose’. This gem’s attractive hue is its biggest USP and can vary from a light rose-pink to a dark raspberry red. Enter now, and learn more about this gleaming member of the garnet family.
Rose Quartz
If you’re looking for a gem that is subtle yet charming and exudes a romantic vibe then this may just be what you need. Blessed with a delicate pink hue, rose quartz has been used for crafting jewelry since several centuries. Read our guide to find out what makes this jewel different from the others.
