Rhodolite Garnet
Last updated: April 2026
Pyrope-almandine solid solution (~2:1 ratio) with purplish-red to raspberry-red color. RI and SG are intermediate between pyrope and almandine. No commercial synthetic exists.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.740–1.770
SG Range3.74–3.94
SG Typical3.84
Hardness (Mohs)7–7.5
Crystal SystemCubic
Optic CharacterSR (Singly Refractive)
Dispersion0.026
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismNone
ColorsRed Pink, Purple
SpeciesGarnet
VarietyRhodolite
Related: Garnet Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Distinctive purplish-red to raspberry red color
- Intermediate RI between pyrope and almandine
- Isotropic (SR) with possible ADR
- Chelsea filter inert
Common Simulants
- Ruby: Ruby: doubly refractive; strong red fluorescence; RI 1.762–1.778; Chelsea filter strongly red.
- Almandine garnet: Very similar garnet group; rhodolite RI ~1.760 vs almandine ~1.790; rhodolite more rose-red vs purple-red.
- Red-pink spinel: Spinel: isotropic; RI ~1.718; different absorption spectrum; typically less saturated.
- Glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles under loupe; conchoidal fracture; SG much lower.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Ruby, Almandine Garnet, Spinel, Glass.
Treatments
- Fracture Filling (rare — included stones)
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$30
Natural — high ($/ct)$400
NotePer carat; fine raspberry-red to purplish-red with good clarity; East African material (Tanzania, Mozambique) commands premium
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a rhodolite garnet? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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