mineral

Rhodonite

Manganese Silicate (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Rose-pink to brownish-red with distinct black manganese oxide veins or patches; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks or hydrothermal ore deposits. It occurs by contact metamorphism and is often associated with other manganese minerals like rhodochrosite.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone (cabochons and beads) for jewelry, ornamental carvings, lapidary art, and occasionally as a minor ore of manganese.

Geological facts

Known as the 'Eagle Stone' in Russia, it was historically placed in babies' cradles to help them grow up strong and fearless. It is the official state gemstone of Massachusetts, USA.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic 'pink with black' spiderweb-like patterns (dendritic manganese oxides). High quality material is found in the Ural Mountains (Russia), Australia, Brazil, and British Columbia. Unlike Rhodochrosite, it is much harder and does not react with dilute acid.