mineral

Rhodonite

Inosilicate (Manganese Iron Magnesium Calcium Silicate, (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: Good prismatic cleavage. Specific gravity: 3.4 to 3.7.

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified August 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in metamorphic environments, typically in high-grade metamorphic manganese deposits and metasomatic zones associated with skarns and hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an ornamental stone, for tumbled stones, cabochons in jewelry, and carved decorative objects. Highly valued by crystal collectors.

Geological facts

Rhodonite gets its characteristic pink and black pattern from the combination of pink manganese silicate and black manganese oxide dendrites or veins running through the stone. Its name comes from the Greek word 'rhodos', meaning rose.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinct pink to rose-red color contrasted with stark black branching veins or patches of manganese oxides. It is commonly found in countries such as Russia, Australia, Sweden, Madagascar, and the United States (such as Massachusetts and Montana).

Other mineral specimens

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Schist

Metamorphic

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

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