Rhodochrosite
What is Rhodochrosite?
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral that ranges in color from light pink to bright red. It’s primarily found in Argentina, Peru, and Colorado, USA. Rhodochrosite is often used as a gemstone and is popular for its unique pink and red color.
Rhodochrosite is a vibrant gemstone that comes in shades of pink and red. Its unique appearance and color make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, especially rings and pendants.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Carbonate |
| Color | Ranges from light pink to deep rose-red, often with white or lighter colored banding. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly. |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque. |
| Occurrence | Argentina, USA (especially Colorado), and South Africa. |
| Formation | Typically found in hydrothermal veins and cavities, often associated with silver deposits. |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Perfect in one direction |
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 to 4 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.45 - 3.70 |
| Diagnostic Properties | Pink to red with banding. |
| Chemical Composition | MnCO3 |
| Pleochroism | Not observed in rhodochrosite. |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (+) |
| Refractive Index | 1.597 - 1.817 |
| Birefringence | 0.014 |
| 2V angle | Measured: 50° to 65° |
| Dispersion | Not typically noted for its dispersion. |