mineral
Rhodonite
Rhodonite (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Pink to rose-red with black manganese oxide veins or patches; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Specific Gravity: 3.5-3.7
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Pink to rose-red with black manganese oxide veins or patches
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Pink to rose-red with black manganese oxide veins or patches; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Specific Gravity: 3.5-3.7
Formation & geological history
Formed in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks or hydrothermal deposits. Often associated with manganese ore bodies and hydrothermal veins.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone, for lapidary work (tumbled stones, beads, carvings), and as an ornamental stone in interior design.
Geological facts
The name comes from the Greek word 'rhodos', meaning rosy. It is the state gemstone of Massachusetts, USA. Unlike rhodochrosite, rhodonite is a silicate and much harder.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive pink color paired with black dendritic or vein-like inclusions of manganese oxide. Found in Russia, Australia, Brazil, and the USA.
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