mineral
Rhodonite
Rhodonite (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, rose-red, or brownish-red, often with black manganese oxide veins; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific Gravity: 3.5-3.7
- Hardness
- 5
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, rose-red, or brownish-red, often with black manganese oxide veins; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific Gravity: 3.5-3.7
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic rocks high in manganese, or via hydrothermal activity in ore veins. It is typically found in manganese-rich environments and can date back hundreds of millions of years depending on the regional geology.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a decorative stone, for gemstone carvings, beads in jewelry, and occasionally as an ore of manganese. Also highly popular among mineral collectors.
Geological facts
The name is derived from the Greek word 'rhodon', meaning rose. It is the state gemstone of Massachusetts and is sometimes confused with Rhodochrosite, which is softer and reacts to acid.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive pink-to-red color paired with black dendritic (tree-like) patterns of manganese oxide. Found commonly in Australia, Brazil, Russia (Urals), and the USA (New Jersey). It will not fizz when exposed to hydrochloric acid.
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