mineral
Rhodonite
(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, Color: Pink to rose-red with dark black veins of manganese oxide, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Good, Specific Gravity: 3.4 to 3.7
- Hardness
- 5
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, Color: Pink to rose-red with dark black veins of manganese oxide, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Good, Specific Gravity: 3.4 to 3.7
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic environments, specifically in manganese-rich hydrothermal and contact metamorphic deposits.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as an ornamental stone, carved into beads, pendants, and figurines, and collected by mineral enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Rhodonite gets its characteristic pink color from manganese and its dark dendritic veins from black manganese oxide. It is the official gemstone of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive pink color mottled with stark black manganese oxide inclusions. Commonly found in countries such as Russia, Australia, Sweden, Canada, and the USA.
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