mineral
Rhodochrosite
Manganese Carbonate (MnCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale; Color: Rose-red, pink, sometimes yellowish or brown; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 3.5 to 3.7
- Hardness
- 3
- Color
- Rose-red, pink, sometimes yellowish or brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Rhodochrosite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale; Color: Rose-red, pink, sometimes yellowish or brown; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 3.5 to 3.7
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins associated with ore deposits of silver, lead, and copper, as well as in sedimentary manganese deposits.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as an ornamental gemstone, for decorative carvings, jewelry, and as an ore of manganese.
Geological facts
Rhodochrosite is the national gemstone of Argentina, where famous stalactitic deposits are mined, often referred to as 'Inca Rose'.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive pink and white banded patterns and reactivity with dilute hydrochloric acid. Found in Argentina, South Africa, the USA, and Peru.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary