metamorphic
Tumbled rhodonite
Rhodonite, (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO₃
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPink to rose-red with black manganese-oxide veins; vitreous to pearly luster and commonly massive, without visible crystal faces. Rhodonite has Mohs hardness 5.5–6.5 and triclinic crystal structure; the specimen is polished and rounded.
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Physical properties
Pink to rose-red with black manganese-oxide veins; vitreous to pearly luster and commonly massive, without visible crystal faces. Rhodonite has Mohs hardness 5.5–6.5 and triclinic crystal structure; the specimen is polished and rounded.
Formation & geological history
Forms in manganese-rich metamorphic deposits and related hydrothermal environments, often with quartz and manganese oxides. Such deposits occur across many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used for carvings, beads, ornamental stone, and mineral collecting; larger material may be cut for jewelry, though it can chip or scratch more readily than quartz.
Geological facts
The dark markings are typically manganese oxides, contrasting with pink manganese silicate. Rhodonite is sometimes confused with rhodochrosite, which is usually softer and often shows banding.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by the opaque pink body color and dark, irregular veins; common sources include Australia, Brazil, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. A small polished tumble like this typically sells for about $2–$15.
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