The Magnificent Magenta Gemstone: Rhodolite Garnet

By Mandy Bradshaw

Published: 09/28/2023

Learn all about rhodolite garnet, its charming color, gemological story, spiritual meaning and how it compares to grape garnet in style.

rhodolite garnet grape garnet garnet

The Magnificent Magenta Gemstone: Rhodolite Garnet

What is rhodolite garnet?

Rhodolite garnet is one of the most beautiful members of the garnet group. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful of ALL gemstones. Rhodolite is a pink to purplish-violet-red garnet. It crosses the many shades of magenta that make it ... compelling ...captivating ... and gorgeous.

For the gem geeks out there – and I, admittedly, am one – it’s a mix of two varieties of garnet. The rich, red pyrope combines with almandine – that purply-red member of this family of beauties ... and a smattering of other trace elements, to make the varying shades of rhodolite. Together, pyrope and almandine are a match made for eternity ... they are rhodolite.

For the jewelry lovers out there – and I am absolutely one – it is a must-add gem for your jewelry collection. The range of exquisite magenta shades that is rhodolite ranks as some of the most compelling colors of gemstones.

If you know the raspberry shades of garnet, then you know rhodolite. Rhodolite has been described as a “color like a fine wine.” This gemstone is simultaneously bright and calm. Its clarity invites you to fall into the heart of it ...

The name, rhodolite, comes from the Greek rhodon which means, “rose-like.” The name is perfect! This rose-of-many-shades is one of those truly under-appreciated gems. If you’re not in love with rhodolite now, I think you will be when you get to know it.

What's the difference between rhodolite and grape-colored garnet?

Grape-color garnet is rhodolite, but not all rhodolites are grape color. To be a grape-color garnet, a gemstone must fall into a specific, narrow and delicious color range. Grape-color garnets are a very small percentage of the purple tones of rhodolite. They are typically well-saturated with a distinct, purplish-red hue. Only the few garnets in that narrow range have what it takes to be called “grape.” That is part of what makes this gemstone so appealing. It is unique and, although plentiful, it is rare amongst the rhodolites, and rhodolites are among the rarer garnets.

I think that, of all the wonderful rhodolites, grape color is the one you don’t want to miss. I will also state, in the interest of being straightforward, I am crazy about grape-color rhodolite garnet!
One of the most interesting things about rhodolite, and especially the grape-color gems, is that these lovelies almost seem to glow from within ... as though a candle shines softly at the heart of each.

This gemstone is stunning! Like all garnets, grape-color garnet is very wearable due to its hardness (7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale). Like most garnets, gemstone material typically displays great clarity. In short – grape-color garnet is flat-out gorgeous. Get ready to fall in love with this rhodolite gem.

baguette-shaped grape garnet dangle earrings

Why should rhodolite garnet be in your wardrobe?

The most important reason to buy any gemstone is ... love. From the moment you see it, you are drawn to it. Without even trying, your mind jumps immediately to how the piece will look – and feel – on you!
Will it make you smile and give you goosebumps? Do the color and the setting almost call out to you?
If you are thinking, “Yes!” Your next thought may be, “But how will I wear it?”

One of the things I love most about rhodolite, and grape-color rhodolite in particular, is that it almost feels like a neutral in my wardrobe. That’s because it takes on that deeply rich red and purple that work with just about everything. If you don’t think it does, check it out. You will find, maybe surprisingly, that rhodolite works.

Rhodolite garnet really is a neutral

We don’t always think about rich colors as neutrals, but these jewel-tone sparklers are. And – it works in every season.

Let’s talk about fall – when we get out our browns; we dust off our maroons; we delight in those deep golden shades; and we fall in love with dark greens again. Rhodolite works with every one of those colors. In fact, it adds brightness (remember that inner glow?) and brings out color. Rhodolite garnet also contrasts, and it does it with panache.

Ditto winter – only let’s add those warm “winter whites;” those creamy shades that whisper of barely-there-blues and greyish-undertones. Try your grape-color garnet with those colors.
When spring fills the air with the first scents of blooms and the first buds, get out your raspberry rhodolite and revel in how right it is with all those lighter shades that are busting their way out of your closets.

Summer ... another season of contrasts ... walk through your closet. Those pinks are made to be worn with rhodolite. Yellows? Oh yes! Grape-color garnets are delicious with sunny colors.

Where can you find rhodolite garnet?

Some of the prettiest pieces and best designs can be found at my favorite jewelry store – JTV and on its website, jtv.com. We have thousands of beautiful rhodolites – raspberry, grape color, purplish-red, and more.
Once you get to know rhodolite garnet – this pinkish-purplish-reddish magenta gemstone – you’ll not only want to get to know it. You will want to know it well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color of garnet is the rarest?
Blue. This is a color-change garnet that ranges from blue to greenish blue and was discovered in 2017.

What is the best quality garnet?
Garnets with bright color, high saturation and little-to-no characteristics (aka inclusions) are considered the best quality. Many consider green garnet – demantoid and tsavorite – to be the best. Interestingly, demantoid is valued because of a specific inclusion – a whipping golden tail at the heart of the stone. Called a horsetail, it definitely increases interest in demantoid.

What is the difference between rhodolite and grape-color garnet?
The only difference is in the color. Both are rhodolites. Grape-color garnet is the deep, purple color that sits at the center of the rhodolite color range.

a round moissanite and oval grape-garnet rose gold ring

Is grape-color garnet rare?

Rhodolites are considered some of the rarest of the garnet group, and grape-color rhodolite is the rarest of the rhodolites.

Can garnets be worn every day?

Absolutely. Garnets can easily become your signature stone. And remember – the garnet group contains every color of the rainbow, so yes!

Does garnet have a spiritual meaning?

For those who believe in the metaphysical, garnet is thought to have many desirable attributes. It is said by some that it balances and re-energizes the chakras. Others believe that garnet will open your heart and create self-confidence. Some people believe that garnets bring warmth, devotion and trust to a relationship.

Historically, garnet has symbolized friendship, trust, commitment and love.

References

https://fiercelynxdesigns.com/blogs/articles/9-types-of-garnet-you-should-know
https://www.gia.edu/garnet
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-rarest-color-of-garnet
https://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/know-how/january-birthstone-rhodolite-garnets-knowledge/

Author

Mandy Bradshaw believes there's beauty in everything, especially when it comes to the unusual, fascinating gemstones from all over the world. This admiration of natural beauty also extends to rhodolite or grape garnet, one of Mandy's favorite gemstones.