ORISSA RHODOLITE GARNET
Glowing with regal charm, the deep purplish-red allure of Orissa rhodolite garnet captivates the senses. Revered for its velvety richness, this rare gemstone shines as a distinguished variety of garnet. Treasured for centuries, Orissa rhodolite mesmerizes with its brilliance, embodying timeless elegance in every fiery, noble hue. Radiating sophistication, it remains a symbol of passion, strength, and enduring beauty.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VALUE
Determining Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Value
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TREATMENT
Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Treatment
Orissa Rhodolite Garnet is a completely natural gemstone and does not undergo any treatments or enhancements to improve its appearance, making it highly valued for its authenticity. Unlike many other colored gemstones that are commonly subjected to heat treatment, irradiation, or fracture filling, Orissa Rhodolite Garnet retains its natural brilliance, rich raspberry-to-violet hues, and clarity just as it is found in nature. This untreated quality adds to the stone’s rarity and desirability, ensuring that collectors and jewelry enthusiasts can enjoy a gem whose beauty is entirely organic and untouched. Its natural state also makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer gemstones with pure, unaltered characteristics.
Storage
Caring for Orissa Rhodolite Garnet
Orissa rhodolite garnet ranks 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, offering good resistance against scratches and chips. With its durability and toughness, it’s an excellent choice for everyday wear or special occasions. However, it still requires proper care:
- Gentle Cleaning
Clean rhodolite garnet jewelry with a solution of mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and grime. Rinse with fresh, cool water and dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners for this gemstone.
- Safe Storage
Always store rhodolite garnet in a fabric-lined box or wrap it in a soft cloth. Keep it separate from other gemstones to prevent scratches and accidental damage.
- Heat & Chemical Protection
Protect rhodolite garnet from harsh household chemicals and prolonged exposure to extreme heat. It’s best to remove jewelry before performing chores or activities involving strong cleaning agents.
- Durability Awareness
Rhodolite garnet is a tough gem with good resistance to chips and breaks, but checking the jewelry setting regularly helps ensure the stone remains secure and long-lasting.
IDEAL CHOICE
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.
Difference
How Does Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Compare to Other Gems?
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.
Is Orissa Rhodolite Garnet a Birthstone?
Orissa rhodolite garnet is a stunning variety of garnet celebrated as the official modern birthstone for January, offering a contemporary and vibrant alternative to traditional red garnets. Known for its lush raspberry-red to deep purplish hues and exceptional brilliance, this gem is prized for its durability with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, making it an excellent choice for daily wear jewelry. Sourced exclusively from the Kantabanjhi area in Orissa, India, this naturally occurring, untreated gemstone embodies timeless elegance and symbolizes protection, strength, and lasting friendship, making it perfect for meaningful birthstone jewelry that lasts generation.
ORIGIN
Where Does Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Come From?
Shop LC sources Orissa rhodolite garnet from Kantabanjhi area in Orissa, India. The Kantabanjhi area is well known for producing this rare variety of garnet, which is prized for its rich raspberry-red color and exceptional brilliance. Orissa rhodolite garnet is a naturally occurring mixture of pyrope and almandine garnet, and it is not enhanced or treated in any way, preserving its natural beauty and color straight from the mine. Due to limited reserves, Orissa rhodolite garnet remains a sought-after and collectible gem.
FORMATION
How is Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Mined?
A strictly regulated industry in Sri Lanka, most mining is still carried out through primarily traditional means. Artisanal mining in Sri Lanka is very straightforward. The extract, which is majorly mined, constitutes a mixture of sand, dirt, and gravel, which is then hauled by workers to the surface. It’s then washed through panning techniques, removing the lighter materials, leaving only the gravel behind. If the miners have been lucky that day, sapphire rough is also found!
Miners in Sri Lanka are highly motivated. Often, a mining financier feeds, houses, and pays a wage to miners. When rough gemstones are discovered, miners also receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of rough.
The government strictly regulates the use of machinery in mining. Primarily, this is to preserve the environment and to secure sustainability within the industry. Once a mine is exhausted, the land is reclaimed to its former status. Post-mining, topsoil is replaced, restoring the location. This makes gemstones from Sri Lanka some of the most ethically sourced gemstones on the market today.
Orissa Rhodolite Garnet Facts
MOHS HARDNESS
6.5 to 7.5
COLOR
Occurs in a rose-pink color with hints of purple to deep grape purple with intense rose-red understones.
TREATMENT
Not treated in any way.
ORIGINS
Sourced from the Kantabanjhi area of Orissa, India.
SIGNIFICANCE
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.