For a Garnet to be called Rhodolite it must contain purple, according to GIA, the industry authority.

Rhodolite is a purplish-red to raspberry red Garnet that was first discovered in Macon County, North Carolina, USA. Significant mining locations today include Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar and Malawi.

Rhodolite is a trade name that originates from the Greek word ‘rhodon’ for ‘rose-like’.

Garnets are part of a large family of silicate minerals that have similar physical properties but vary in chemical composition.

Almost all gem-quality garnets are a mix of two or more species, and Rhodolites are a mix of Pyrope and Almandine Garnets.

The name ‘Garnet’ derives from the Latin word for seed, possibly associated with the fruit Pomegranate whose seed covers resemble some Garnets.

Pure Garnet would be colorless; it is the trace elements that give garnets their colors.

For example, iron and chromium create reds and greens; chromium and vanadium create greens, and manganese creates pinks and oranges.

Garnet is the birthstone for January, celebrates the 2nd Anniversary and comes in almost all colors of the spectrum including the rare color-change material.

Lots of choice for January birthdays!

We have many more shapes and sizes available in Rhodolite – please contact us if you don’t find what you are looking for in our online inventory.