Natural Gemstones: Reference Facts

Rhodolite Garnet

Garnet has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. This gemstone group occurs in many colors. Rhodolite is a purplish red variety of the garnet group. Rhodolite garnet was first discovered in 1882 in North Carolina. The name "Rhodolite" comes from the Greek words "rhodo" which means "rose" and "lithos" which means "stone".

Rhodolite garnet is a mixture of pyrope and almandine. This gemstone is found in purplish red, purple-red, reddish purple, purple, and pink. Rhodolite garnet is not subjected to any treatment. Like all other garnets, rhodolite garnet is a piece of pure nature.

Rhodolite Garnet is ideal to work into jewelry. Its beautiful color and excellent wearing at relatively inexpensive prices make it one of the most worked gemstones. Today, rhodolite garnet is found in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Africa.

Garnet represents friendship, and is a good luck charm. According to legend, garnet will help people improve personal relationships and protect the wearer from harm and disaster. Garnet is the birthstone for January and is the suggested gift for the 2nd anniversary.