|
| |
|
<<PREVIOUS ^ NEXT>> |
| |
|
A purplish-red, rhodolite is a popular gem. First discovered in Cowee Creek, North Carolina in 1887, this gem was named after the local native rhododendron flower, the color of which it resembles. The fine color of this very popular raspberry garnet is due to impurities of chromium in the crystal, and is very clean (few, if any, inclusions.) The color ranges from pinkish-red to purple-red. Available in smaller sizes, under 5 carats, gems over 10 carats are extremely rare. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
North Carolina gems are usually small, under 2 carats, African specimens can weigh up to 25 carats. Currently, the main sources for this stone are Sri Lanka and east Africa. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
An intermediate in composition between pyrope and almandine, rhodolite has a density varying by source from 3.79 to 3.89, a dispersion of 0.026, an RI if 1.76, measures 7 on Mohs scale, and is usually not brittle. Apatite crystal inclusions sometimes appear. Tanzanian specimens have a higher RI. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Ultrasonic. Can be worn in any type of jewelry. Most garnets are sensitive to heat. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
North Carolina, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zambia, Ceylon, Sri Lanka. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
