Rhodolite is the bright, cheerful member of the garnet family, a pinkish red to raspberry stone with more sparkle and less darkness than classic red garnet. It sits between ruby red and pink, and in good light it can show a lovely purple glow. It is hard enough for daily wear and almost never treated, which makes it one of the easiest colored stones to own. We set natural rhodolite in 925 sterling silver and solid gold at our studio on Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok.
This page covers what rhodolite is, how it compares with other pink and red gems, how to wear and care for it, what makes a good stone, where it comes from, how to see the stones at our shop, and how to order in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand.
What rhodolite is
Rhodolite is a variety of garnet. Chemically it is a natural mix of two garnets, pyrope and almandine, with more pyrope than a classic dark red garnet. That balance of magnesium and iron gives the lighter raspberry and purplish red color.
The name comes from the Greek rhodon, rose, and it was first used for stones found in North Carolina in the United States in the late nineteenth century, said to match the color of local rhododendron flowers. Today almost all rhodolite comes from East Africa and Asia.
Like other garnets, rhodolite is almost never treated. Its color is natural and stable. Every stone we set is natural, rhodolite included, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order.
Rhodolite facts at a glance
- Color: pinkish red, raspberry, rose and purplish red
- Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Family: garnet, a mix of pyrope and almandine
- Treatment: almost never treated
- Best for: rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets
- Care: warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Price: depends on the quality and carat you choose; we quote before you order
Rhodolite and other pink and red gems
Red garnet, the classic almandine and pyrope, is darker and browner. Rhodolite is the brighter cousin, with more pink and purple and more life in low light. See our garnet page for the full family.
Rubellite, the red to pink tourmaline, can look very similar. Rubellite is often more included and usually costs more, while rhodolite is often clean to the eye and a little harder.
Ruby is harder at 9 on the Mohs scale and costs much more. A raspberry rhodolite gives a similar warm pinkish red for a much more affordable price.
Pink sapphire is also 9 on the Mohs scale and has a softer, lighter pink. Rhodolite has a deeper, juicier color.
How to wear and care for rhodolite
At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and with no cleavage, rhodolite is a good choice for a ring worn every day, as well as earrings, pendants and bracelets. Like any garnet it can chip if a facet edge takes a hard knock, so take your ring off for the gym, sport and heavy work.
Clean it in warm soapy water with a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Avoid sudden changes of temperature and keep it away from harsh household chemicals. Store it apart from harder stones such as diamond and sapphire so it does not get scratched. If it ever needs a polish or a check of the setting, bring it to our shop. Maintenance is free on jewelry we made.
What makes a good rhodolite
Color comes first. The most valued stones are a vivid raspberry to purplish red with no brown. Lighter rose stones cost less and still look fresh and pretty, while very dark stones lose some of their sparkle.
Clarity is usually excellent. Most rhodolite is clean to the eye, so there is no need to accept a stone with visible inclusions.
Cut brings out the brightness. A well cut rhodolite flashes pink and red across the whole face of the stone, with no dark window in the center.
Size is generous. Rhodolite is found in good sizes, so a larger stone stays within reach, and the price rises steadily with carat.
Metal changes the look as well. Sterling silver makes the color look cooler and more pink, while yellow gold warms it toward red. If you are not sure, we can hold the stone against each metal at the shop so you can see the difference.
Where rhodolite comes from
Most rhodolite today comes from East Africa, especially Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique, with more from Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India and Brazil. Tanzania is known for fine raspberry stones, and Mozambique for purplish stones the trade sometimes calls grape garnet. Much of this rough is cut and traded through Bangkok and Chanthaburi, two of the busiest colored gem centers in the world. If you want to know the origin of a particular stone, ask us: we offer certified stones, and an uncertified stone can be sent to a gem lab for a report at extra cost.
See rhodolite at our shop in Bangkok
Beside silver, rhodolite looks cooler and pinker, and against yellow gold it warms toward red, a shift that photos rarely capture. Request rhodolite when booking, and we will lay out rose, raspberry and purplish red stones beside both metals for you.
Walk in any time we are open, or book ahead so Yaron is there to help with the stone, the design and the metal, from 925 silver and gold plating to solid 9K, 14K or 18K gold.
Most rhodolite is clean to the eye, so one loose stone is lovely to own as it is. Buy it with no jewelry order, and if you ever want it set, we would be very pleased to make that piece.
See rhodolite with Yaron
TOANOI House, 259/80 Phibunwet Village, Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok. Monday to Friday 9:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 15:00. We speak Thai, English and Japanese.
Not in Bangkok? Message us and we will send photos and prices of the rhodolite we have.
Rhodolite questions we get
Is your rhodolite natural?
Yes. Every gemstone we set is natural, rhodolite included, and rhodolite is almost never treated. If a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.
Is rhodolite a garnet?
Yes. Rhodolite is a variety of garnet, a natural mix of pyrope and almandine. It is lighter and pinker than the classic dark red garnet.
Is rhodolite a January birthstone?
No. Rhodolite is a garnet, but the January birthstone is the classic red garnet. Rhodolite is a beautiful stone in its own right, for any month.
What is the difference between rhodolite and rubellite?
They look alike but are different minerals. Rhodolite is a garnet and rubellite is a tourmaline. Rhodolite is often cleaner and a little harder, and rubellite usually costs more.
How much does rhodolite jewelry cost?
It depends on the quality and carat of the stone you choose, and on the metal. We give you the price before anything is made.
Can I buy just the stone?
Yes. A rhodolite can leave our shop unset, and nothing else needs to be ordered with it. We are glad to set it into a ring, pendant or earrings right away or whenever you are ready.
How long does a rhodolite piece take?
7 to 10 working days from your order, because the stones are already here in our shop, then 1 to 3 working days for delivery inside Thailand. We also ship abroad by FedEx.
Every rhodolite piece is made to order by our team in Bangkok in 925 sterling silver or solid gold, with a 3-year warranty, free maintenance and free shipping across Thailand.
