mineral
Rhodonite
Rhodonite (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Rose-red, pink, or brownish-red often veined with black manganese oxide. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect prismatic cleavage. Specific gravity: 3.4 to 3.7.
- Hardness
- 5
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Rose-red, pink, or brownish-red often veined with black manganese oxide. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect prismatic cleavage. Specific gravity: 3.4 to 3.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of manganese-rich sedimentary rocks and hydrothermal replacement processes. Found in metamorphic environments often associated with skarns and ore deposits.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as an ornamental stone, for gemstone carvings, beads, cabochons in jewelry, and as a minor ore of manganese.
Geological facts
The name comes from the Greek word 'rhodon', meaning rosy, in reference to its characteristic pink color. The distinctive black veins are typically composed of manganese oxide surface alteration.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct rose-pink color contrasted with dark black manganese oxide dendrites or veins. Common localities include Russia, Australia, Sweden, Madagascar, and the United States (Massachusetts, Colorado).
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