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Garnet (rhodolite)

Garnet (rhodolite)
  • Translations : Rhodolit, Rhodolita, ロードライト
  • Synonym : Pyrandine
  • Etymology : From Greek "rhodon" = pink.
  • Discovery: 1898 by Hidden et Pratt
  • Type localityMasons Branch Brook, Cowee Valley, Macon Co., North Carolina, USA.

The chemical composition of the garnet rhodolite places it between the garnet almandin and the garnet pyrope.

Its color varies of a purple red in the pink.

It is mine in India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA, Madagascar, Zambia.

To know more about the mineralogy of Rhodolite, see Mindat.org->

Gemological data

  • Chemical formula : Mg3 Al2 [SiO4]3
  • Hardness (Mohs) : 7 - 7.5
  • Density : 3.65 - 3.80
  • Refractive index : 1.730-1.760
  • Crystal system : Cubic
  • Group : Grenat

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