Rhodolite, or pink garnet, is classified as precious ornamental stones in mineralogy. Many samples have an alexandrite effect: they are able to change color shades depending on the angle of inclination. Jewelry is made from it for both women and men, and the magical properties and healing qualities of the mineral have been known to people for a very long time. It is believed that among garnets there is no more unusual stone than rhodolite, which has an unusual color that distinguishes it from other minerals and, at the same time, makes it similar to some of them.
From the history
If we literally translate the name of the mineral from Greek, it will mean “pink stone.” Of course, it’s difficult to call it pink, because the shades are more reminiscent of Chinese plums. In natural conditions, pink garnet can be absolutely light and looks as if it has faded for a long time under the scorching rays of the sun. It is precisely because of the “fading” pink shade that it probably acquired its popular name.
People have long known about its existence and have used it since ancient times to create amazing jewelry and magical amulets. However, due to their similarity with other stones, pink garnetites have always been a source of confusion and funny situations: an inexperienced eye could easily confuse them even with rubies if they looked especially bright. Unscrupulous traders often took advantage of this.
One of the legends tells us that rhodolite and its properties were very fond of the commander Alexander the Great. He constantly wore a large ring with this mineral and did not want to part with it.
Rhodolite: what kind of stone is it? Only in 1959, a specialist in the field of mineralogy Anderson identified it as garnets and gave it the name that we know about now.
Varieties
Transparent pink garnet has a high refractive index of light, so the cut stone “comes to life” in the daytime in natural light. Single crystals used in jewelry production have the following “berry” color gradation:
- pink;
- scarlet;
- purple-pink.
Experienced experts say that all types of semi-precious pink garnet can be used as jewelry inserts.
Opaque rhodolites are ornamental gems suitable for making figurines, crossbars, lids and other decorative design elements.
Mining locations
The most famous deposit is located in the African country of Tanzania, the birthplace of the equally popular and rare stone tanzanite. It is in Tanzania that you can find high quality samples that are valued by jewelry makers around the world. Good rhodolites are found in Zimbabwe and Kenya. Pink garnet is also mined:
- on the island of Sri Lanka;
- in Australia;
- in USA;
- in Yakutia;
- on the Kola Peninsula;
- in Karelia.
Indeed, these minerals can also be found in Russia, but their quality is significantly lower than that of African samples.
Stories with names, countries and a few lines about archeology
All varieties of pomegranates have been known to mankind for a long time. Of course, there was no strict classification. That’s why scarlet, pink, and purple stones were called differently in different countries.
I'll call you...
The rhodolite stone acquired its current name from the Greek word rodon - rose, similar to a rose.
If you want a list of titles, please:
- Cape ruby;
- Bohemian garnet;
- Garamantine;
- spinel;
- rose without scent;
- Arizona spinel;
- Australian ruby.
Of course, no one then singled out rhodolite from the multitude of scarlet gems.
Russia, America, Tanzania... Who else?
The Russian nobility also loved gems. Quite a long time ago, all red stones were called lalas. Then they began to divide them into becheta, chervets, venisa, and yaghut. The latter was considered a ruby in the East.
America claims to be the discoverer of rhodolite. Yes, they found a small deposit in North Carolina.
However, now the best rhodolites are considered to be those from Tanzania and those mined in Sri Lanka.
For history buffs: the oldest archaeological find containing rhodolite is the “Hungarian Kelikh”. The cup is decorated with precious stones, among which our hero took a worthy place. And the cup dates back to 1510.
physical characteristics
Rhodolite is a garnet with a specific “berry” color, depending on one or another impurity that is present in the composition. The extracted samples are evaluated based on the density and saturation of their colors and shades. Among jewelers, nuggets of purple and deep pink color are especially valued. They are used to make exclusive types of jewelry that are in private collections.
The physical and chemical characteristics of the stone can be described as follows:
- Mohs hardness index - from 7 to 7.5 points;
- dense mineral, from 3.6 to 3.84 g/cm3;
- high transparency;
- there are examples of dense shades;
- has a conchoidal fracture;
- there is no cleavage;
- shines beautifully;
- color can vary from purple to pink.
Of course, examples with an alexandrite effect are especially popular among lovers of gemstone jewelry: the crystal changes its color depending on the intensity and type of light. Natural light gives it greenish shades, and electric light gives it the whole palette of pink.
The deep violet tint of some specimens sometimes leads them to be called “amethyst rhodolites.” However, there is no such name in mineralogy, since we are talking about different origins. Amethyst is classified as a quartz, and rhodolite is a gemstone belonging to another family of a higher order, garnets.
To buy or not to buy
The price per carat of rhodolite is constantly increasing. Now it has exceeded 200 US dollars for 0.2 grams of cut stone.
Purple rhodolite
Jewelry subtleties
Cape rubies are not valued as first class gems. The main thing for rhodolite is size and color. The purity of the crystal is practically not taken into account. And in some cases (when the stone is cut into a cabochon), microcracks and inclusions that are hardly noticeable to the eye are even useful. They help in the special play of color and color.
Educational: “strawberry” rhodolites are considered the most valuable. Until now, they have only been found in Tanzania.
The best specimens of rhodolite can have a fancy cut. The bulk of the crystals are cut into brilliant cuts or ovals.
The designer frame can be made of any precious metal - silver, gold, platinum.
Ordinary items are usually set in gold.
We buy, we don’t skimp
Products with rhodolite are not cheap. In the table we give the approximate cost of jewelry, and you decide whether the gem is worth it or not.
| Decoration | Price |
| Suspension | 4 500-51 500 |
| Bracelet | 14 500-23 500 |
| Gold earrings with rhodolite | 10 500-45 500 |
| Brooch | 26 500-72 000 |
| Ring | 7 000-28 900 |
Prices are indicative. Somewhere it will be more expensive, somewhere cheaper. But for a thousand rubles a gold ring with rhodolite can only be bought in a dream.
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Healing properties of the stone
Among lithotherapists and traditional healers, there is an opinion that rhodolite stone helps people cope with many diseases. It improves digestion processes and helps strengthen the cardiovascular system. Like other pomegranates, it cleanses the bloodstream and relieves pain during childbirth in women.
If you often suffer from colds, Rhodolite is definitely for you. It will help cope with bronchitis, sore throats and other pathologies of the respiratory system. It also strengthens the immune system and prevents many diseases.
Lithotherapist's book
In the old days, amulets made from “scentless roses” were given to pregnant women for successful delivery of pregnancy.
Modern lithotherapists recognize the following medicinal properties of the mineral:
- Helps in the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract.
- Normalizes the functioning of the endocrine glands.
- Stimulates the work of the pituitary gland.
- Will help prevent colds.
- Prevents nightmares.
- Increases immunity.
If there are interruptions in the heart, lithotherapists advise wearing beads or a pendant with rhodolite.
Cape ruby helps get rid of depression and relieves stress.
Important: for medicinal purposes, wear a rhodolite pendant so that the stone touches the skin.
What kind of jewelry are made?
Rhodolite, whose properties are still highly valued among jewelers, is used to make brooches, pendants, earrings, rings and signet rings. They also make beautiful clips for expensive ties and eye-catching cufflinks. When working with stones, craftsmen use different cutting technologies: diamond, stepped and oval. Minerals of not very high quality are processed like cabochons, making them flat on the bottom and convex and smooth on top, in the shape of ovals.
The best metals suitable for cutting are gold or silver. They help enhance the magical and healing properties of the mineral, creating a worthy accompaniment for it.
It is advisable to wear the jewelry in such a way that it directly touches the skin. The mineral demonstrates universal compatibility with other crystals and never comes into dissonance with them, so it can be worn with other jewelry (of course, if they are in harmony with each other in color and type).
Artificial pomegranate
Natural garnet is not such a rare mineral. However, modern scientists are making many attempts to “grow” these stones under artificial conditions. This is how the synthetic silicate, cubic zirconia, was created. It was raised in the USSR in 1968 for the needs of nuclear energy.
cubic zirconia
This gem is distinguished by a variety of colors that natural garnets cannot boast of: for example, cubic zirconia is known for its incredible lavender hue - but in nature blue color is impossible for these minerals.
Magic magic
The magical magic of rhodolite is multifaceted and has been repeatedly confirmed in practice by psychics and supporters of occult teachings. It is believed that he:
- charges the owner with positive energy, even regardless of what zodiac sign he belongs to;
- calms the nervous system, which is considered “the cause of many diseases”;
- stimulates a person’s career growth when worn constantly;
- reveals abilities for creativity and eloquence, which is important for lawyers, actors, managers;
- restrains a person from displaying unnecessary emotions that can harm him;
- helps the owner take a leadership position.
If you are introverted and shy, wear pink garnet as often as possible. When a young man or girl goes on a date for the first time and wants to please their chosen one, it will be better if they take a small pebble with them or wear jewelry with it. The mineral will make a man attractive and charismatic in the eyes of women, and will give his fair half peace of mind in the family and solutions to everyday problems.
When people want to strengthen their family hearth so that there is as little discord as possible in the family, occultists advise purchasing a rhodolite talisman. In this case, despite the beauty of the mineral, it should not be kept in a visible place in the house. The talisman must be hidden in the bedroom: then it will take away all the surrounding negativity and transform it into positive energy that will benefit the whole family.
If you are the head of a company or enterprise and you often have to make important and responsible decisions, always take a mineral with you or wear any jewelry when you have a decisive meeting. By doing this you will protect yourself not only from unsuccessful business negotiations, but also from possible risks, deceptions and intrigues of dangerous competitors. At a party or any celebration, it is the pink garnet that will contribute to the establishment of both romantic relationships and useful business contacts, which often turn out to be fateful.
A little astrology
January is considered the month of garnet, for this reason the stone favors all people born in this month. If we talk about zodiac signs, then the gem is suitable:
- Leos.
- Sagittarius.
Self-confident and narcissistic Leos often need help. The gem will help calm a stormy temper and make the right decision in a difficult situation.
But the mineral makes Sagittarius calm and balanced, and also imparts wisdom and eradicates the confusion of the sign. Calms temperamental men and women, directing their energy in the right direction.
Pink garnet has a positive effect on people of creative professions, helps them create and stay inspired for a long time.
The stone has no contraindications, that is, it can be worn by all zodiac signs. Rhodolite does not change a person’s character and does not subjugate him to his will. But if the owner of the jewelry is not Sagittarius or Leo, then the gem may not fully open. Or the disclosure process will take quite a long time.
It cannot be said that garnet is an energetically powerful stone, but it is capable of influencing a person gently, awakening tender feelings in him.
Rhodolite and Zodiac Signs
Who is suitable for rhodolite according to their zodiac sign? There is no debate among astrologers here. They unanimously believe that the mineral favors Leo and Sagittarius , pacifying the ardor of these fire signs and cultivating in them loyalty to the world around them. This garnet has a special type of connection with Leo and Sagittarius, secured by heaven and nature, therefore, with constant wear, representatives of these constellations become successful and lucky, and their careers quickly begin to take off. Leos pacify their proud disposition and learn to build relationships with others, and Sagittarius find their niche in self-development, following the right spiritual path.
If you have a different zodiac sign, wearing it is not contraindicated for you, since the versatility of this amazing garnet is fully revealed here. The main thing is to check your individual compatibility with the mineral before wearing it by leaving it overnight at the head of the bed on a clear moonlit night. If at the end of the night you find that you are experiencing discomfort, and your dreams were difficult and unpleasant, it is better to refrain from contact with rhodolite. If, when you wake up, you feel good spirits and a good mood, wear it boldly and luck will definitely smile on you.
Overall, there are rarely instances where this versatile garnet demonstrates incompatibility with a potential owner. It should also be remembered that it is especially suitable for other zodiac signs if they want to harmonize their lives, improving it personally and professionally.
Who are the names suitable for?
It is extremely important to determine in advance, when buying a garnet stone, who this type of jewelry is suitable for and who is not. The element of garnets is fire (especially for pyropes and almandines), as well as earth and water. This stone also has patron planets: the Moon, Jupiter, Venus, Mars and the Sun.
Pomegranate is an excellent life talisman for people with the names:
- Alexandra (only for women - for Alexander men this mineral will be useless);
- Alla;
- Anton;
- Valeria;
- Basil
- Galina;
- Lyudmila;
- Maria;
- Nikita;
- and Tamara;
How to distinguish a fake?
Do you want to learn how to distinguish a fake from a real rhodolite? Then you need to understand one simple secret for yourself: if we are talking about a natural sample, it will never be large, since it is an inclusion present in other rocks. If a seller persistently tries to pass off suspiciously large crystals as rhodolites, refrain from purchasing them, no matter how beautiful and bright they look.
In order to distinguish a natural stone from a fake, people have long resorted to using a regular magnet. The main purpose of such an experiment is to show whether the product contains iron. If the sample is real, ferrous impurities are contained in it anyway, but there is definitely no iron in glass or plastic. You need to put the pebble on the scales and measure the weight, then carefully bring the magnet closer to the scales and keep it at a distance of 1 cm. After the experiment, you need to weigh it again, and if the nugget is real, the mass will become slightly smaller due to the reaction of the iron to magnetic attraction.
A number of simple skills that you can always apply when at the jewelry counter will help you distinguish a natural pebble from glass, hard resin or plastic:
- hold the product in your hands for a while. Natural minerals are known to heat up much more slowly than glass or plastic. If the jewelry heats up quickly, most likely this is a fake;
- Do not rush to too bright “acid” colors. Even the brightest shade of natural stone will not be very noticeable, and painting plastic or glass with cheap paint is easy and simple.
In addition, counterfeits are always easy to scratch with a thin needle, unlike originals, but sellers are unlikely to allow such an experience to be carried out in practice.
Description
Rhodolite stone is considered a type of pyrope of a pink hue with a density of 3.83-3.93 g/cm³. One of its distinctive features is the ability to change color due to different lighting and viewing angles. So the mineral plays with deep red, pink, purple shades, but can change them to rich green.
The stone has a characteristic glassy luster.
Often its dimensions do not exceed 3 cm; large crystals are rarely mined. It is its physical properties that distinguish it from other precious stones with which it is so similar.
Stones of laboratory origin and their specificity
There are also rhodolites grown artificially in gemological laboratories. In terms of quality and beauty, they are not inferior to natural garnets, but sometimes they look too decorative and “correct”, since they have an ideal crystal lattice, which becomes visible only after deep study using special instruments. The most famous laboratory stones are:
- cyrolites;
- Damonics;
- Helliners.
In their production, laboratory staff use different technologies. These are perfectly clean specimens, without cracks or chips, characteristic of stones formed in the natural environment. By the way, a synthetic sample can be grown very large, but this takes a lot of time.
Rules of care
From time to time, rhodolite should be wiped with a dry and soft cloth, removing traces of grease. Water procedures will also not interfere with it, but you should not use chemical liquids or abrasive detergents. The best option is to dilute a weak soap solution yourself, immerse the jewelry in it for half an hour, and then rinse under running water and dry properly.
Natural stones do not like to be exposed to the sun for too long because they lose color due to constant exposure to ultraviolet light. Therefore, you need to store the jewelry in a separate box.
Rhodolite is an amazingly beautiful gem, and if you are lucky enough to purchase a product made from natural stone, it will delight you for a long time not only with its beauty, but also with its unique properties that have been valued by our ancestors since ancient times.
Interesting facts about rhodolite
There is a beautiful legend about the appearance of rhodolite. The daughter of the sea god Poseidon, the nymph Roda once fell in love with the sun god Helios. The couple's life was happy, but in the morning Helios left his beloved and went to travel around the sky. Rhoda knew that he would return to her in the evening, but her sadness did not diminish. The nymph cried, and on the ground her tears sprouted beautiful roses. When a tear fell on a stone, it formed gems of pink shades in its depths - pure, like a tear and pink, like a girl’s blush. The island of Rhodes was given to Roda and Helios by Zeus, but there are no rhodolite deposits on it. Since here the nymph was happy and did not cry.
