Rhodolite is another name for the rose-pink to red colored mineral pyrope – a member of the garnet group. It is found in Macon county of North Carolina in USA. Rhodolite is an iron-magnesium-aluminium silicate.

The name rhodolite is derived from the Greek meaning “rose-like”. This is in common with many other pink colored minerals like rhodochrosite and rhodonite. The attractive color and transparency of the rhodolite garnet has made it a semi-precious gemstone.

Rhodolite tends to be lighter in color than most other kinds of red garnet. It is confused with ruby due to their similarity in color. The mixture of red and violet in rhodolite is very attractive making the Purple-red rhodolite the most sought after.

The color and brilliance of rhodolite is best in daylight. Rhodolite is transparent and often inclusion free. Due to its hardness, rhodolite garnet can be cut in various shapes.

Rhodolite Garnet deposits are found in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand and North Carolina of USA.