Mineral

Rhodonite

Rhodonite (Manganese Silicate), chemical formula: (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Rose-pink to brownish-red with distinct black dendritic veins of Manganese Oxide. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 3.5 - 3.7.

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified March 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal deposits. Often found in contact metamorphic zones. Geological age varies by location, from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, and a minor ore of manganese. Highly valued by collectors for specimens exhibiting deep pink hues and high-contrast black patterns.

Geological facts

The name originates from the Greek word 'rhodon', meaning rose. It was once believed to aid in emotional healing and was designated the state gemstone of Massachusetts in 1979.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its characteristic pink color and black manganese oxide 'webbing' or veins. Found in significant deposits in Russia (Ural Mountains), Australia, Sweden, Brazil, and the USA (New Jersey). It is harder than Rhodochrosite (which is a carbonate and reacts to acid).