Rhodolite specimens for sale

1 for sale ยท $29 USD

3 in the gallery

Rhodolite is the pink to purplish-red variety of garnet, part of the pyroxmangite-almandine-pyrope complex. Its crystals and masses typically display a vitreous to glassy luster and a moderately hard, granular to prismatic habit. In the best specimens, color ranges from delicate pink to deep rose or purplish red, with clean, translucent to transparent faces that can reveal subtle color zoning under bright light. Crystalline aggregates and well-formed dodecahedral or trapezohedral forms are sometimes observed, though many pieces are appreciated for their rich color and overall balance rather than pristine crystal perfection. Notable specimens come from sources in Brazil, Kenya, and Pakistan, where hydrothermal and metamorphic environments yield vibrant, gem-quality material that appeals to garnet enthusiasts and collectors of colored stones in mineral form.

Formula
Mg3Al2(SiO4)3
Rarity
Common
Stability
Stable
Collector interest
Very High Interest
Classification notes
Nesosilicate; Garnet group (A3B2(SiO4)3)

Key characteristics

Crystal system
isometric
Mohs hardness
7โ€“7.5
Specific gravity
3.74โ€“3.94
Luster
vitreous
Transparency
transparent, translucent
Color
red, pink, violet
Streak
white
Cleavage
none
Fracture
conchoidal, uneven
Crystal habit
dodecahedral, granular, massive, equant
  • Gem mineral

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Where Rhodolite is found

Top localities

  1. Brazil1 specimen
  2. Pakistan1 specimen
  3. Tanzania1 specimen

About Rhodolite

Collectors value rhodolite for its striking hue, stability, and versatility in display and study. The garnet group is known for its hardness and resistance to weathering, making rhodolite a resilient choice for cabinet displays. Specimens from renowned localities are sought after for color saturation, clarity, and the way light interacts with the crystal faces. For the mineralist, rhodolite offers an accessible example of a solid-solution member within garnet that showcases color variation and the influence of trace elements on appearance.