Rhodolite Gemstones

Unusually striking, rhodolite is a naturally occurring blend of almandite and pyrope garnet. While raspberry and grape are the most prized colors, rhodolite is also found in shades of purplish red to reddish purple. The name is derived from the Greek rhodon, meaning “rose,” and lithos, meaning “stone.” Rhodolite is typically found as water-worn pebbles in alluvial deposits, but it is also occasionally mined directly from host metamorphic rock. Tough, durable, never enhanced and easily cleaned, rhodolite is ideal for jewelry. Due to its bright transparent clarity, rhodolite is often cut into fantasy shapes.