What on Earth Is Rhodochrosite?

Rhodochrosite is a pink-to-raspberry manganese carbonate mineral, soft at 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, and the state gemstone of Colorado. In crystal lore it is a love stone that people use for meditation, and it is also an ore of manganese. This guide covers its properties, history and lore.

With its soft pink shade, rhodochrosite is a popular choice for meditation and love-themed lore.

It is found in several locations around the world, especially in places where other manganese minerals are also present. Rhodochrosite is also an ore of manganese used in steel production.

Dig deeper into the properties of this alluring and powerful mineral.

The Physical Properties of Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite belongs to a family of carbonate minerals which are minerals that are widely abundant in the Earth's crust.

Rhodochrosite forms as botryoidal (like a cluster of grapes), granular, or stalactite-like crystals in hydrothermal veins of lead, copper, and silver mines. It also occurs in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

In terms of lustre, rhodochrosite appears glassy (vitreous) and pearly. Its light pink to raspberry red body is wrapped with white- or light-pink coloured bands.

Due to its colour, this mineral is often confused with rhodonite. But one should remember that rhodochrosite is a carbonate while rhodonite is a silicate mineral. Also, rhodochrosite's bands are white or pink (which differ from specimen to specimen), while rhodonite has black patches imparted by manganese oxide.

Rhodochrosite is a soft mineral with a hardness rating of 3.5 to 4. It also has a perfect cleavage. These characteristics make it too fragile for jewelry use, especially in making rings or bracelets. It is often fashioned into cabochons, pendants, and earrings, which do not require too much impact or abrasion.

The History of Rhodochrosite

The name rhodochrosite comes from the Greek words rhodon meaning rose and chroma meaning colour. It is believed that the mineral was first discovered in a cave in Argentina by the ancient Incas. The Incas mined rhodochrosite and made it into jewelry together with silver. This went on until the 1500s

Sometime in 1873, rhodochrosite was also discovered and mined at the Sweet Home Mines in Alma, Colorado. At a time where silver was the most valued mineral, rhodochrosite didn't receive much attention so miners would discard the mineral.

The demand for the pink mineral peaked in the 1930s, with collectors discovering that the rhodochrosite found at Sweet Home were rare and had an almost perfect rhombohedron shape. They found the crystals to be a lot more valuable than those mined in Argentina. Soon after, the Colorado rhodochrosite became the standard for the crystal thus increasing its value in the market. In 2002, Colorado named rhodochrosite as its state gemstone.

Today, lapidary grade rhodochrosite is only found in certain parts of the world other than Argentina and Colorado. These include China, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Russia, South Africa, and Spain.

The Lore of Rhodochrosite

Upon discovery, the Incas believed that the red rhodochrosite crystals were the blood of their ancestors that hardened and turned into stones. Rhodochrosite was first mentioned in 1873 where specimens extracted from Argentina were called Inca Rose (Rosa del Inca or Rosinca).

The Metaphysical Properties of Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite has a long list of metaphysical associations in crystal lore.

People carry, wear or meditate with it as a symbol of cheerfulness and creativity, and as a reminder to express feelings openly.

In crystal lore, it is used as a focus for reaching out to others, even animals. If you want to think of a family member, a friend or an old flame you have lost touch with, some people try this ritual:

• Grab a photo of that person and place a crystal next to it.
• Place your hands on either side of the crystal.
• Try to recall the last place and time you were together.
• Say the person's name 3 times and ask them to keep in touch or send a message.

Have you been hoping for a romantic partner for a long time? Like other pink stones such as rose quartz, rhodochrosite is used as a focus for welcoming new love.

In love-stone lore it is also linked with happiness in a new relationship and with leaving old relationship baggage behind.

People also keep it as a reminder to drop negative habits, and tradition links it with compassion, forgiveness of self and fresh starts.