Gemstone profile and identification guide
Rhodolite
Rhodolite is a pyrope-almandine garnet blend valued for bright rose-red to purplish-red color.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Rhodolite is a pyrope-almandine garnet blend valued for bright rose-red to purplish-red color.
Did you know? Rhodolite was named for rose-like coloration rather than a single end-member species.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Rhodolite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Garnet Group: Pyrope-Almandine Mix)
Hardness: 7.25 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Raspberry Red
Secondary colour: Purplish Red
Colour family: Reds
Garnet optical behavior and species blend chemistry define rhodolite category.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure notes where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7.25 Mohs
Chemical composition: (Mg,Fe)3Al2(SiO4)3
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Tanzania, Sri Lanka, India, Mozambique, Madagascar
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Pyrope-almandine garnet blend with rose-to-raspberry hues.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Pyrope-almandine garnet blend
Mineral group: Garnet group
Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)3Al2(SiO4)3
Mohs hardness: 7.25
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.74-3.84
Refractive index: 1.74-1.76
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Rose-red to purplish-red
Common inclusions: Needles, crystals, healed fractures
Geological environment: Metamorphic garnet-bearing rocks
Principal mining regions: Tanzania, Sri Lanka, India, Mozambique, Madagascar
Important commercial sources: Rhodolite garnet is mined from multiple metamorphic-hosted garnet localities
Historical significance: Widely used modern garnet variety in fine jewelry.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic substitutes can imitate.
Common look-alikes: Pyrope, almandine, red spinel
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted rings, pendants, and earrings.
Care recommendations: Durable and suitable for regular jewelry wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Rhodolite.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic terrains under high temperature and pressure.
Origin
Rhodolite garnet is mined from multiple metamorphic-hosted garnet localities
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted rings, pendants, and earrings.
Ideal uses: Fine everyday red-garnet jewelry.
Care
Durable and suitable for regular jewelry wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Rhodolite FAQ
How can I identify Rhodolite?
Compare hardness (7.25 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Rhodolite appear in?
Pyrope-almandine garnet blend with rose-to-raspberry hues.
Where is Rhodolite commonly used?
Fine everyday red-garnet jewelry.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.