mineral
Rhodonite
Manganese Silicate (MnSiO₃)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Rose-pink to brownish-red with black manganese oxide veins, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Perfect, Specific Gravity: 3.4-3.7
- Hardness
- 5
Identified More mineral →
Explore Rhodonite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Rose-pink to brownish-red with black manganese oxide veins, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Perfect, Specific Gravity: 3.4-3.7
Formation & geological history
Forms in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks or hydrothermal fluids. It is often found associated with calcite and other manganese minerals in marble or skarn deposits.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as decorative stone, gems in jewelry (cabochons or beads), and as a minor source of manganese. Highly popular among mineral collectors.
Geological facts
The black dendritic patterns or veins seen in the specimen are manganese oxide inclusions. It is the state gemstone of Massachusetts and was once used in building materials in Russia.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct 'pink and black' color pairing and hardness (harder than rhodochrosite). Commonly found in Australia, Russia, Sweden, Peru, and the USA (New Jersey and Massachusetts).
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
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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