Rare size in umbalite garnet. When is a red garnet a rhodolite and when is it an umbalite. This is a relatively new name given to the brighter violet red colors of garnet known from the Umba Valley in Tanzania. Other Tanzanian sources also produce this color and I have seen similar stones in Bekily Madagascar. Umbalites have a more open color than most rhodolites. I used to kid customers that we use the name Umbalite so we can charge more but the truth is true umbalites have a more desirable color and are worth the extra money. This one measures 11.5 x 11.5 x 9 millimeters and has Si1 clarity as well as a near ideal cut and polish.
