Rhodochrosite - Facts & Information With Photos

Rhodochrosite (whose name means rose-colored) is a very attractive mineral with an absolutely one-of-a-kind, beautiful color.

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with chemical composition MnCO₃. In its (rare) pure form, it is typically a rose-red color, but impure specimens can be shades of pink to pale brown.

a cluster of Rhodochrosite Rosettes, showing their intricate and varied patterns. Rhodochrosite Rosette Cluster

Fabulous rosette Rhodochrosite From Huachocolpa Mine, Peru.
Copyright © Xdxu

It was first described in 1813 in reference to a sample from Cavnic, Maramureş, present-day Romania. According to Dimitrescu and Radulescu, 1966 and to Papp, 1997, this mineral was described for the first time in Sacaramb, Romania, not in Cavnic, Romania. The name is derived from the Greek word ῥοδόχρως meaning rose-colored.

A photo of a cross section of a rhodochrosite stalactite, showing the concentric layers of mineral growth. The stalactite is a pale pink color and has a banded appearance. Rhodochrosite Stalactite Cross Section

Amazing plate of Stalactites Rhodochrosite from MineSanta Rita,
Argentina. credit: Ignacio Adrian Tepman.

It streaks white, and its Mohs hardness varies between 3.5 and 4. Its specific gravity is between 3.5 and 3.7. It crystallizes in the trigonal system, and cleaves with rhombohedral carbonate cleavage in three directions.

A photo of a group of rhodochrosite stalactites. Stalactites can be found in caves all over the world, but they are particularly common in Argentina.

Rhodochrosite's stalactite from Capillitas Mine, Catamarca,
Argentina. Photo: Ignacio Adrian Tepman.

Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral along with other manganese minerals in low temperature ore deposits as in the silver mines of Romania where it was first found. Banded rhodochrosite is mined in Capillitas, Argentina.

Unusual Shape and color of Rhodochrosite from Moanda
Mine, Gabon. credit: Yasu Okazaki

Rhodochrosite forms a complete solid solution series with iron carbonate (siderite). Calcium, (as well as magnesium and zinc, to a limited extent) frequently substitutes for manganese in the structure, leading to lighter shades of red and pink, depending on the degree of substitution. It is for this reason that the most common color encountered is pink.

Here are some SEO-friendly alt text suggestions for photos about "Rhodochrosite Stalactite", with images to enhance the content: Rhodochrosite Stalactite Opens in a new window www.etsy.com A photo of a rhodochrosite stalactite, a type of cave formation made of the mineral rhodochrosite. Rhodochrosite is a pink manganese carbonate mineral, and stalactites are cave formations that hang from the ceiling. Rhodochrosite Stalactite Opens in a new window www.mineralauctions.com Rhodochrosite Stalactite Cross Section Opens in a new window www.rockygems.com A cross-section of a rhodochrosite stalactite, showing its concentric layers.

Stunning Rhodochrosite Stalactite slice- from Capillitas
Mine, Catamarca, Argentina. credit: LGF Foundation, Inc.

Its main use is as an ore of manganese which is a key component of low-cost stainless steel formulations and certain aluminium alloys.


Exceptionally gemmy red rhodochrosite zoned botryoidal crystals. From N'Chwaning Mine, Northern Cape Province, South Africa credit: Le Comptoir Géologique

Due to Rhodochrosites being relatively soft, and having perfect cleavage, it is very difficult to cut, and therefore rarely found faceted in jewelry.

Stunning Rhodochrosite with chalcedony covering the surface
to form a grape-like shape（botryoidal), is very attractive.
From (Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
Copyright © Xdxu

Rhodochrosite is Argentina's "national gemstone". Colorado officially named rhodochrosite as its state mineral in 2002.