Overview
Most people think of a rich red gemstone when they hear the word garnet. But, unexpectedly, it is available in a wide range of species and combinations, resulting in a wide range of gorgeous hues. That's why it's called Rhodolite.
It is thought to have been discovered for the first time in the early 1800s in North Carolina, USA, and shares many chemical properties with pyrope and almandine garnet. Rhodolite, on the other hand, may resemble tourmaline or spinel in terms of appearance.
In addition to its sensual color, this gem is adored for its eye-catching shine that comes to life in artificial light. This eye-catching gem is mined all over the world, but the most popular places are India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Brazil. Tanzania's Umba River Valley, on the other hand, is well-known for its high-quality rhodolite gemstones.
Symbolism
The rhodolite's intense reddish-purple color lends itself easily to associations with love and passion. It has long been regarded as a gem of the heart, blood, and fire in general. There is a slightly more sensual attraction to Rhodolite, on the other hand.
The rhodolite, on the other hand, does not have as many references to ancient symbolism as garnet. Crystal therapy uses this stone for emotional healing and balancing the flow of energy in the body, though. In addition to being a lucky charm, rhodolite is also said to shield the wearer from negative influences.
Properties
Hardness and Strength
In order to determine a mineral's hardness and assign it a value from 1 to 10, the Mohs scale was devised. One signifies tremendous flexibility, whereas 10 implies exceptional toughness. This mineral has a hardness grade of 7-7.5, which indicates that it is extremely resistant to wear and tear. A wide range of jewelry and settings are available for this stone. However, just like any other gemstone, it must be cared for with love and attention.
Treatment
This gem's vivid color is a result of its natural origins. Due to their natural beauty, most of the stones on the market now do not require any form of treatment or artificial amplification. You may come across ‘synthetic rhodolites' that are simply imitations of their real-life counterparts. Only buy rhodolites from well-known brands and ask for a Certificate of Authenticity to be sure you're getting the actual thing.
Quality and Grading
Typical colors for high-quality rhodolites include rose-pink and deep purple. The most sought-after gemstones have a deep rose-red undertone. When picking rhodolites, it's critical to have a high level of color saturation. The most sought-after stones are those with a beautiful raspberry-red hue, so go with the one that stands out the most to you.
Clarity
For garnets and their various variants, including the rhodyllite, faults and inclusions are to be expected. Rutile inclusions and apatite crystal imperfections are common in type 2 gemstones. In contrast, the rich color and saturation of rhodolites hides most imperfections. Avoid gemstones with visible inclusions, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
Cut
In addition to the standard round and oval shapes, rhodolite can also be found in a variety of pear and oval shapes. Cabochons of this gem are also available. The best rhodolites are those with perfectly faceted crystals. When looking at a stone from all sides, especially from the top, aim for one that has a brilliant luster and a precise cut.
Carat Weight
There are a wide range of carat weights available for this gem, with the most popular being 1 and 2 carats. The price of the stone rises significantly when it reaches a carat weight of more than one. However, the quality should always come first while selecting this diamond. Rhodolite that has a lower carat weight is always a better choice than a worse quality gem with a larger carat weight.
Quality Grades
No grading system exists for this gem, unlike diamonds. However, rhodolites can be classified into the following types depending on their physical features.
Heirloom (AAAA)
These are the best you can get in terms of quality. Their vivid purple shade and outstanding brilliance make them stand out from the crowd. This group of rhodolites is known for its immaculate eye cleanliness.
Best (AAA)
They have a medium reddish-purple color and a high degree of brightness. Also, there are no obvious inclusions in them.
Better (AA)
Rhodolites in this group range from a medium to dark reddish-purple in hue. They have a fair amount of brilliance, but also a few blemishes.
Good (A)
Rhodolites like these have a dark reddish-purple color and little brightness. The inclusions in these stones are similarly of a modest degree.
Care Instructions
Rhodolite is a diamond with a distinctive appearance that is likely to draw admiring glances. It's great for everyday wear because of its high level of durability. Follow these simple guidelines to keep it looking its best.
- It is not recommended to use steam or ultrasonic cleaning methods. Internal fractures may occur as a result of the employment of vibration and heat in these ways, even if this gem is not delicate
- Additionally, high heat must be avoided at all costs in order to protect this gem from cracking due to the presence of microscopic inclusions. Keep it out of the way of any rapid temperature fluctuations.
- Hairspray, perfume, body lotion, and other harsh chemicals should be avoided if you want to preserve this gem's luster and purity intact.
- Over time, regular use might degrade the experience. So be on the lookout for anything that could be problematic, such as a sloppy installation or surface damage. As soon as you notice one, have it repaired by a qualified jeweler.
- In general, store your gemstones in a separate location to avoid them being scratched by harder jewels, such as a sapphire or diamond, which are much harder.