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Rhodolite garnet, like all garnet is a fairly hardy gem. It is thus very suited to jewelry. When cleaning your Rhodolite, the best method is a simple warm soapy water solution and a toothbrush. It is surprisingly effective. However, if you feel you would like to give your Rhodolite a more rigorous cleaning you may use an ultrasonic cleaner. However, NEVER use a steam cleaner as abrupt temperature changes can cause fracturing.
GEM SPECIES : GARNET
REFRACTIVE INDEX : 1.76
HARDNESS MOHS SCALE : 7 TO 7.5
TOUGHNESS : GOOD
STABILITY TO LIGHT : STABLE
BIRTHSTONE : JANUARY, AQUARIUS
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The World's Foremost Red Garnet
This is an exquisite purple red garnet! The name "Rhodolite garnet" is derived from the Greek meaning rose garnet. It is recognised by gemologists as being the foremost of the red garnet species.
East African Rhodolite is a beautiful purple red variety of the garnet species and ranks among the best in the world. It is mined in Tanzania in Kangala and in the Umba River Valley, which is world-renowned for the quality of the gems produced there. As most of the production is alluvial in Umba, gems can literally be picked out of the river. In Kangala, mining is in the open-cast style. It is a barren region - a landscape pockmarked with mine holes fringed by tall, swaying grass and often lined with fruit bats.
This lovely red purple garnet is also mined in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and a redder variety is found in the USA. The best color however, is acknowledged to come from Tanzania.
Rhodolite is the birthstone for January and it is believed in myth to have magical properties assuring the wearer of love and faithfulness.
See our Private Rhodolite Garnet Gem Stone Collection!
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Rhodolite garnet is a Type 2 gemstone so whilst it is generally a clean gem in terms of clarity small and minute inclusions such as tiny crystals, clouds and needles do not impact the clarity grade and even very high quality Rhodolites may contain these. Look for a proportional cut, sharp facet edges and a bright appearance.
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