Rhodolite is a mineral belonging to the group of silicates. More specifically, it is a nesosilicate from the garnet subgroup. It was first found in 1882 in Macon County, North Carolina, and was named after George Frederick Kunz, a renowned mineralogist.
Its name comes from the Greek rhodon, meaning “rose-like,” and is the basis for the names of other pink minerals, such as rhodonite and therhodochrosite.
In the following lines, you will learn the most relevant data about this mineral, including its chemical properties, its formation and occurrences, and what is its main utility.
Properties and characteristics of the mineral rhodolite
Rhodolite represents a intermediate variety between Piropo and Almandino, two series of garnet, with a greater inclination towards the Compliment. Rhodolites from around the world are characterized by a chemical analysis that, In addition to silica, it includes iron, manganese, chromium, and vanadium..
It has been proven that all these elements can affect the color of the stone, which can be light or dark purplish red, reddish purple, and all the different shades between red and purple.
| rhodolite | Physical and chemical properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | (Mg, Fe)3Al2Si3O12 |
| class, group | Silicate, nesosilicate, garnet (pyrope) |
| Color | purplish red, pink |
| Mohs hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
| crystalline system | isometric |
| Refractive index | 1770 – 1820 |
| Specific weight | 3.9 – 4.3 |
| Transparency | transparenttotranslucent |
| double refraction | None |
| Gloss | Vitreous |
| cleavage | None |
This mineral has an isometric crystalline system, its fracture is conchoidal and hardness is 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to translucent, and parts have no visible inclusions. Some rhodolites that are heated to 600 °C can change their color to brown. This process is irreversible.
rhodolite stone meaning
The rhodolite gem is considered by many cultures as a source of inspiration and emotional renewal. This crystal is believed to encourage kindness, love, compassion, and promote self-awareness, self-esteem and spiritual growth.
Crystal is used as a gem to align the base chakras, and it is considered that it favors the connection between people and their “guardian angels. This rock has an elemental energy of fire, and is used as a protective amulet.
In addition, some cultures consider that the gem can help guide meditation, stimulate intuition and balance the messy aspects of life. By wearing this gem, some people believe that they can release fears and inhibitions to venture into any challenge.
It is important to clarify that these statements belong to esoteric and metaphysical beliefs, and at no time are they based on scientific criteria.
Origin, formation and deposits of the mineral rhodolite
The mineral rhodolite generally occurs as sedimentary rock or metamorphic host rocks. The stone can be found in the United States, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and India.
Sometime, the gem was mistakenly believed to exist only in North Carolina. In 1987, rhodolites of a beautiful raspberry red color were found in regions of Tanzania such as Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma.
Rhodolite stone uses
The main application of rhodolite is jewelry. In this sector, there are all kinds of garments, rings, pendants and earrings who are adorned with this gem. It can also be polished en cabochon for use in necklaces.
The best valued varieties of this mineral are the “ raspberry rhodolite ”, whose color resembles that of said fruit, and the “grape garnet”, a gem that brings to mind the intense color of Merlot wine.
jewelers recommend do not expose the gem to high temperatures Therefore, their use with ultrasound or exposing them to any type of steam cleaning should be avoided.
In the field of geology, researchers have carried out multiple studies in which rhodolite has been synthesized through the hydrothermal method.