Know The Difference Between Garnet And Rhodolite

Garnet vs rhodolite: A vibrant red gemstone is a striking and beautiful accent to any ensemble. However, the variety of options may confuse you if you're not familiar with fine jewelry.

In order to determine whether there is any difference between garnet and rhodolite, we will be focusing on them today.

What Is Garnet?

The garnet, also called the January birthstone, gets its name from the Latin word "garanatus," which means "seed-like," and the Middle English word "gernet," which means "dark red," from the fourteenth century.

This gem can be found in colors of orange, green, peach, yellow, blue, purple, brown, and pink, though red is the most prevalent color. Garnets are made from a range of species and mixes, unlike other minerals.

Similar Varieties

Every variety of garnet is divided into groups according to the color and trace elements that make up the material.

Almandite Garnet/Almandine: Because aluminum silicate is present, it has a deep red color with a violet tinge.

Pyrope: This type of silicate, which is commonly found in nature, is made up of calcium or magnesium silicate. These garnets can have colors ranging from dark, blood-red to purplish-red, depending on the combination.

Spessartines: Manganese gives spessartites their color; they come in a variety of orange tones. Namibia is where the most valuable stones are found. They have a vivid reddish-orange color and go by the name "Mandarin Spessartines."

Demantoid: This light green garnet kind is among the most precious ones on the market today.

Grossularite: This type comprises three subclasses and is a mixture of calcium and aluminum.

Tsavorite: An expensive garnet with a greenish-emerald color.

Hydrogrossular: This one is opaque and also has a greenish hue.

Leuco: A grossularite garnet without color.

What Is Rhodolite?

A combination of pyrope garnets and almandine called rhodolite. This jewel's color, which varies from a deep purple-red to a softer rose-red, adds to its sensual appeal. The Greek word "rhodon," which means "rose," is where the gem gets its name, which is not surprising.

Natural rhodolites, in contrast to most colored gemstones, are usually eye-clean, meaning they lack any imperfections or faults that are visible to the unaided eye. One of the most precious forms of garnet is this gem because of its natural color and clarity, which are unaltered by artificial additions.

Another Differentiation

Rhodolite belongs to the family of garnets. This group is distinct from other variations in addition to color and content.

1. Cost

   A valuable variety of garnet is rhodolite, with a 1 carat stone of heirloom quality starting at about $1,000. A fine one-carat pyrope-almandine garnet may set you back approximately $300. However, average and lesser grade stones will be comparatively less expensive for both sorts.

2. Request

   Many people are still unaware that rhodolites exist since they typically link garnet with the color red. Consequently, there is perhaps less of a demand for the latter than for the more well-liked bright red garnets. On the other hand, rhodolites are more costly since they are rarer and more desirable.

Final Verdict

The rhodolite is everything but ordinary it's rich and colorful! So this garnet type is definitely worth trying if you're seeking for something unique and offers great beauty.