Rhodolite
| Also known as | Garnet (Garnet family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Red, Pink, Purple |
| Mohs hardness | 7.0–7.5 |
| Lustre | greasy to vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Transparency | Can form with any diaphaneity, translucent is common |
| Cleavage | none, may show indistinct parting |
| Fracture | conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | (Mg,Fe) 3 Al 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 |
| Specific gravity | 3.84 |
What is Rhodolite?
Rhodolite is a varietal name for rose-pink to red mineral pyrope, a species in the garnet group. It was first described from Cowee Valley, Macon County, North Carolina. The name is derived from the Greek "rhodon" for "rose-like", in common with other pink mineral types. This coloration, and the commonly inclusion-free nature of garnet from this locality, has led to rhodolite being used as a gemstone. Rhodolite like other varietal names is not officially recognized as a mineralogical term, but rather used as an accepted trade name.
How to identify Rhodolite
- Lustre: greasy to vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 7.0–7.5 — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Cubic crystal system.
Rhodolite in different forms
Stones often confused with Rhodolite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Rhodolite?
Rhodolite is Mohs 7.0–7.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Rhodolite?
Rhodolite is typically red, pink, purple (light to dark purplish red through reddish purple).