The facts
What rhodolite actually is
Mineralogically, rhodolite is pyrope–almandine garnet — (Mg,Fe)₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃, crystallising in the cubic system.
The colour is caused by iron and magnesium in balance. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.74–1.77, and the specific gravity sits near 3.74–3.94; cleavage is none.
Where rhodolite comes from
The recognised sources are Tanzania, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and North Carolina, USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
Is rhodolite treated?
None.
Nothing needs disclosing, and nothing about the stone can change after you buy it. If a price looks impossible, the risk is substitution rather than treatment.
What rhodolite is confused with
The usual confusions are Almandine, Pink tourmaline and Pink spinel.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.74–1.77 and specific gravity 3.74–3.94 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What rhodolite is used for
Rhodolite is bought by jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat.
Durability and care
Rhodolite is 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What rhodolite costs
Indicative pricing for rhodolite is $20–200/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is rhodolite treated?
None.
Where does rhodolite come from?
Tanzania, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and North Carolina, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is rhodolite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does rhodolite cost?
Indicatively $20–200/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is rhodolite confused with?
Most often Almandine, Pink tourmaline and Pink spinel. A refractive index of 1.74–1.77 and a specific gravity near 3.74–3.94 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for rhodolite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about rhodolite