Garnets, best known for their red color, come in all colors except blue. Many varieties exist, differentiated by their respective colors, refractive indexes and absorption spectrums. Rhodolite garnets are a spin on the color most associated with the traditional January birthstone, with a rose-red to purple hue. According to Peora.com, rhodolite garnets are considered the "Queen of Garnets" because of their feminine color that mimics the rhododendron flower.
Color
Rhodolite comes from the Greek word "rhodon," meaning "rose," in reference to the color of these garnets. Although garnets are typically known for being red with a brown tint, rhodolite garnets have a pink to violet-red color and tend to be lighter than other red garnets. Because of their similar colors, rhodolite garnets can be confused with rubies. The raspberry red to deep pinkish-red of the rhodolite is not an enhanced color, however; it is found in natural deposits throughout the world.
Composition
Chemically, the rose-red to purple of the rhodolite garnet is achieved with the 2-1 mixture of pyrope and almandine. Comparatively, Mozambique garnets average a 1-1 mixture of pyrope and almandine and are known for their dark orange-red to red color.
Qualities
Rhodolite garnets rank around 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale (a scale that ranks the hardness of minerals, with 10 being the hardest). Rhodolite garnets are transparent and often free of inclusions, internal flaws often found in gemstones. The hardness and composition of the rhodolite garnets allows for a variety of cuts and shapes as well. The brilliance of the rhodolite garnet is due to its high refractive index.
Locations
Rhodolite garnet deposits can be found in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand and the United States (in North Carolina), according to GemSelect.com. Though garnets are found throughout the world, the majority of garnets today come from Africa, according to Peora.com.
Meaning
According to MineralMiners.com, rhodolite garnets are said to facilitate mediation, to enhance intuition and to inspire love. Garnets, the January birthstone, were historically believed to protect wearers from wounds and poison, to stop bleeding, to bring prosperity and to symbolize truth and fidelity. Garnets have been embraced as gemstones for thousands of years by many societies, encrusting armor for protection and replacing lead in bullets because it was believed to be more deadly. Garnets are symbolic for the 18th wedding anniversary.
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