June - Rhodolite Garnet

Pearl and Alexandrite are the birthstones for June.  Pearl is too fragile for a family ring and Alexandrite is very rare and very expensive.  So we searched for something real resembling alexandrite and found this exotic version of garnet - Rhodolite.

(if you would prefer to substitute a man-made synthetic alexandrite no problem let us know - no price difference)

The name is derived from the Greek words rhodon and lithos, meaning rose-stone.  Rhodolite has shimmering brilliance and a raspberry freshness.

Tales of Garnet date back to the time of Noah who is said to have steered the ark by a lantern made of this dazzling gem of extraordinary brilliance. 

Rhodolite Garnet ranges from a 7.0 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

The major sources for Rhodolite Garnet are Sri Lanka, India and East Africa.


Legend and Healing Properties

Garnet's legendary powers include healing, strength, and protection and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin. 

It is also believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression.  In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.