#rhodolite

Early in 2016 some attractive purple garnets from East Africa began to distinguish themselves in the Bangkok market. They were identified as belonging to the pyrope-almandine solid solution series more commonly known as rhodolite garnet. Rhodolites are usually more reddish but many of these stones are actually purple especially in low light. Although the degree of color and the specific shades will always vary, many vendors refer to them as “Grape Garnets”. The vivid purple hue comes from traces of iron and magnesium.