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Rhodolite
There is an intermediate group of garnets in
the pyrope almandine series. It is a deep pink or pinkish-red
color (known as rhododendron pink) and is called rhodolite,
fnthe Greek rhodon, rose,' and lithos, “stone”.
Rhodolite is a subvariety of pyrope-almandine characterized
by its particular color.
Appearance The pinkish-red color is its main
characteristic. The gems have good transparency and are almost
always faceted, generally receiving a mixed, roughly oval
or round cut. As always with transparent garnets, the luster
is strong.
Distinctive features The color, luster and
single refraction typical of garnets paint quite a clear picture.
The stone is not, of course, pleochroic. The refractive index
varies from 1.755 to 1 .765 and the density from 3.74 to 3
g/cm3-a very limited range. Rhodolite is distinguish from
corundum of a similar color by its lack of pleochro and the
fact that it does not fluoresce in bright light,
from rubellite by its lack of pleochroism, greater luster
and absence of the marked birefringence of tourmaline, why
is even visible with a lens. Its physical properties have
to measured, however, to distinguish it from spinel.
Occurrence Rhodolite is found in the United
State, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. It is not common
Value Of the reddish garnets, it is in greater demand an therefore
more valuable than pyrope and almandine.
Simulants and synthetics It
is neither imitated, nor produced synthetically.
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