Rhodochrosite: The Rose-Colored Gem for Fine Jewelry

The Rhodochrosite, whose Greek origin means rose-colored, is an ornate mineral with exceptional pink color. The distinctive color of a solitary crystal can spellbound the observer with its loveliness, which seems to radiate from the depths of the crystal itself. It is the beautiful transparency of the crystals that makes the rhodochrosite an attractive gem for hand crafted jewelry and highly prized by collectors.

Properties of Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral which is fairly soft. The degree of hardness is rated at 3.5 – 4 on the Moh’s hardness scale. This makes the softer gemstone a challenge for hand crafting jewelry, but it does result in beautifully designed jewelry. Because it is soft and pliable, rhodochrosite is often carved into ornamental pieces such as figurines and boxes.

Rodochrosite and Rhodinite are often confused with each other because the base colors are similar, being pink. Rodochrosite is banded with white manganese carbonate while most rhodinite commonly used is jewelry contains black manganese oxides.

History of Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite was first found in the silver mines of Romania where it was first described and recorded in 1813. Even though the gemstone is found throughout the world in Poland, Romania, Peru, Argentina, Newfoundland, and the United States, only a few sites host the large red crystals. Some of the best specimens of red crystals were found in the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, which is now closed. Gemstones from this mine are growing rare and increasing in price. In 1938 excavators discovered a mine in Peru, next to an Inca tomb, filled with rhodochrosite jewelry.

Rhodochrosite Gemstone Lore
The Rhodochrosite is thought to
* attract love to oneself, improve tolerance and forgiveness, and be a true friend
* open a closed heart
* increase love on ALL levels for males and females
* give extra energy
* improve eyesight
* reduce stress and improve the aura
* reduce depression

Rhodochrosite Tidbits
* Rhodochrosite is March’s Birthstone
* Rhodochrosite is Colorado’s state mineral
* Decendants of the Incas call the Rhodochrosite the Inca Rose, believing the gem is the blood of their kings and queens turned to stone

Whether you’re taken by rhodochrosite’s beauty or powers, wearing it will make you feel beautiful and unique – and maybe that’s the most important reason to adorn yourself with it anyway. When feeling this gorgeous is as easy as slipping on a piece of jewelry, you’ll find yourself doing it every day, just to enjoy the sensation of being adorned.