WHAT IS ORISSA RHODOLITE GARNET?
Treasured since prehistoric times, garnet continues to gain popularity because of its incredibly rich color spectrum. The word 'garnet' comes from the Latin word 'garanatus,' which means 'seed-like,' in reference to pomegranate fruit seeds.
Discovered in 1882 in the hills of North Carolina, rhodolite garnet is considered one of the most coveted and popular gems of the garnet family. Rhodolite’s name is a modern composite of the Greek words rhodon, meaning “rose,” and lithos meaning “stone.” A unique mix of pyrope and almandine, Orissa rhodolite garnet is recognized as one of the world’s foremost red garnet species.
Determining Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Value
Is Orissa rhodolite garnet valuable? The value of colored stones is typically determined by a combination of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. It is no different when determining what rhodolite garnet is worth. These guidelines will help you choose stones for your collection.
- Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Color
Color is the most important quality factor for Orissa rhodolite garnet. The most desirable color should be from rose-pink with hints of purple to deep grape purples with intense rose-red undertones.
The value of this attractive stone depends mostly on the color saturation. Gemstones with vivid and brilliant raspberry-red color are considered the most valuable and command a higher price in today’s market.
- Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Clarity
Orissa rhodolite garnet is typically transparent and exhibits a vitreous luster. It is a Type II gemstone, where most of the gems are of inclusive material. But due to their saturation and deep color, these gemstones appear eye clean when viewed with the naked eye. Their brilliance is due to a high refractive index.
- Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Cut
Orissa rhodolite garnet can be cut into various shapes. It is commonly shaped into round, oval and pear. They are typically faceted to maximize its brilliance. Cutters must carefully position these gems so that the stone looks its best when viewing it face-up.
- Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Carat
The common sizes of Orissa rhodolite garnet found at Shop LC are 5x4 millimeter, 6x4 mm, 7x5 mm in oval shape, 2 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm in round shape and 5x3 mm, 6x4 mm, 7x5 mm in pear shape. The price per carat tends to increase dramatically with larger stones. Rhodolite garnet gems above 3 carats are rare to find and command high prices.
Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Treatment
Orissa rhodolite garnet is not treated in any way.
Caring for Orissa Rhodolite Garnet
Orissa rhodolite garnet ranks 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, a good choice for stylish jewelry. With a good toughness to protect from accidental chips or breaks, it’s a durable gem for daily wear, or simply whenever you like. Rhodolite garnet is beautiful stone for all types of jewelry and with proper care will last for generations.
Wash your rhodolite garnet pieces in a solution of mild dish soap and lukewarm water using a soft cloth or brush to remove dust, fingerprints and other grime. Rinse with fresh, cool water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid the use of harsh household chemicals and prolonged exposure to extreme heat with garnet stones. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended for this gem.
Always store these radiant gems inside a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth. They should be stored separately from other jewels in your collection to avoid accidental scratches or other damage.
Who Can Wear Orissa Rhodolite Garnet?
Being one of the most versatile gemstones, rhodolite garnet is ideal for almost any type of jewelry, such as rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, hairpins, and many other beautiful ornaments. It can be worn in silver or gold settings, as a silver setting brings out the purple tones while gold setting enhances the rose tones.
With a good hardness, brilliance, and durability, rhodolite garnets can also be mixed with other colored gemstones such as topaz, smoky quartz or peridot, to provide a modern contrast of color. Rhodolite garnet’s deep rosy color is suitable for both men and women’s jewelry.
How Does Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Compare to Other Red Gemstones?
Orissa rhodolite garnet is often mistaken for other gemstones, including ruby, pink tourmaline, rubellite, and spinel because they are transparent, have a vitreous luster and can be pinkish red in color.
If you love natural raspberry-red color with great transparency, then Orissa rhodolite garnet is a good option for you.
Garnet is also the traditional gift for the second wedding anniversary.
Where Does Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Come From?
Shop LC sources Orissa rhodolite garnet from Kantabanjhi area in Orissa, India.
How is Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Mined?
New mining of Orissa rhodolite garnet has been halted by the Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) due to lack of recent discoveries. However, some smaller pits are still being worked by artisanal miners along the outside of the barbed wire perimeter of the old OMC mines. With low availability, this gemstone is carefully mined by traditional methods using small tools like picks and shovels.
Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Properties
What Does Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Mean?
According to legend, garnet is believed to protect the children from drowning and was thought to be a potent antidote against poison. In medieval times, people used garnet to ease depression, ward off bad dreams, soothe arthritis, and alleviate liver ailments.
Garnet is considered a traveler's stone. Ancient explorers and travelers wore garnet as an amulet to inspire success in commerce and ensure safe journeys. It is thought of as a powerful talisman, capable of illuminating the night and dispelling evil spirits.
Garnet also symbolizes deep and lasting friendship.
Orissa rhodolite garnet is believed to fight depression and to dispel nightmares. By wearing garnet jewelry, ailments such as rheumatism, arthritic pain, and even acne are believed to be alleviated and healed.
Disclaimer: Use of any stone or mineral is not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment, and nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information provided should not be used to treat any illness, injury, medical condition, or ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health professional.
Is Orissa Rhodolite Garnet a Birthstone?
Garnet is the official modern birthstone for January. Orissa rhodolite garnet makes an excellent choice for those looking for a contemporary take on the traditional red garnets.
Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Facts
- Orissa rhodolite garnet ranks 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- This variety of garnet is known for its rose-pink color with hints of purple to deep grape purple with intense rose-red understones.
- Shop LC sources our supply of Orissa rhodolite garnet from the Kantabanjhi area of Orissa, India.
- Orissa rhodolite garnet is not treated in any way.
- Rhodolite garnet may also be called rose garnet.