Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite has been on the market only since about 1940. Transparent crystals are extremely rare. Raspberry red and pink are the most common colors. It is known for its vitreous luster and on cleavage faces, there is a pearly luster. The aggregates are light-dark stripes with zigzag bands. Although rhodochrosite is a soft mineral, faceted rhodochrosite can be set into jewelry provided it receives special handling and consideration with respect to wear.
Usually used in large pieces, as the marking is the most distinct, especially in ornamental objects as well as for cabochons for necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. The transparent stones are usually faceted and are in large demand by collectors. The largest faceted Rhodochrosite with 59.65 ct. came from South Africa and is in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
Massive banded rhodochrosite has long been used for carvings and other ornamental objects. Although intense red transparent rhodochrosite crystals of remarkable size have been known in Colorado since 1895, not until recently were mining techniques developed to recover them economically. These new mining techniques have combined state-of-the-art equipment and technology to detect and extract large, fine-quality rhodochrosite specimens and gem rough.
The most important deposits are in Argentina, especially near San Luis, 144 miles (230 km) east of Mendoza. The Rhodochrosites have formed stalagmites in the silver mines of the Incas since they were abandoned in the 13th century. Other deposits are found in Chile, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and the United States.
Definition:
From the Greek “Rhodon + Chros” = “Rose-Colored”. It has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. It has perfect cleavage. Dark Red, Flesh Red, Pinks and Rose colors with white streaks and inclusions.
The History & Lore of Rhodochrosite:
The Greek word for pink, the Rhodochrosite crystal meaning is associated with the rose, the symbol of love that can be traced back to the Incas, who called the stone "Inca Rose." According to legend, these pink gems formed from the blood of their kings and queens. Ruled by the planet Venus, the Rhodochrosite stone meaning comes from its healing pink hue, the color of love. Like the soft petals of a rose, the Rhodochrosite stone supports feelings of compassion, deeper emotional connections, and openness to love without judgment or expectations. The green leaves of the rose stem symbolize our potential for growth while the thorns remind us to face painful truths with loving awareness.
Wherever you happen to be on your spiritual journey, the Rhodochrosite crystal brings the most healing medicine of all – unconditional love. Evolved over the millennia from a combination of manganese carbonate, its beautiful pink color and unique patterns of white bands create a stunning contrast that is a sight to behold. But when jealousy, anger, and mistrust weigh down your spirit, the Rhodochrosite meaning is more than just pretty in pink. It holds the delicate but powerful frequency that allows your mind to expand to higher consciousness, encouraging you to combine feelings of love with like-minded actions.
Symbolism:
It is the birthstone for Aries and registers with the heart chakra. It improves thinking, and it should be discharged in soft water, then recharged briefly in sunlight.
Pink is the color of love, which makes the Rhodochrosite properties a powerful addition to your collection of heart-based healing crystals. The Rhodochrosite meaning is known for attracting love by opening up the heart chakras with its healing vibrations. Let this gentle heart crystal connect you with your playful inner child. Feel your spirit begin to soar as old emotional wounds dissolve like melted candy, releasing energy blockages keeping you from happiness, your divine right, and raison de vivre.
This subtle beauty is more than a love potion. The Rhodochrosite healing properties also connect the upper and lower energy fields of the body, clearing away psychic debris that has accumulated over the years. When facing painful matters of the heart, this crystal gives us the courage to trust another soul with our vulnerable hearts. The Rhodochrosite stone meaning gives us the inner strength to take another chance at love, because even if you fall, this crystal will always catch you.
Alma, Colorado, Home to the Sweet Home Mine
Location:
Gemmy Rhodochrosite comes chiefly from the Americas; the best deposits are in Colorado (Sweet Home Mine) which provides material suitable for faceting gems over 60 ct. It is also found in Montana.
Argentina is at present the main producer with deposits in San Luis and Catamarca Provinces (Las Capillitas Mine).
There are other sources of Rhodochrosite as well. Nice ruby red crystals have been found in Mexico and Peru. Superb deep red crystals up to 7 mm from South Africa (N’Chwaning Mine, Kuruman) have yielded cut stones up to 5 ct. Fine Rhodochrosites are also known to come from Russia (Transbaikalia, Ural Mountains) and Romania, where they usually form fine-banded botryoidal aggregates (Cavnic, Baia Sprie), but sometimes only crystals (Sacarimb). Less important occurrences are in India, Afghanistan, and Australia. Rhodochrosites have also been found in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Spain, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Lapidary objects made of Rhodochrosite are preserved in museums all over the world. While faceted gems over 20ct. are rare, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. has a red cut stone weighing 59.65 ct.
Care & Cleaning:
Rhodochrosite is a 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Although Rhodochrosite is a soft mineral it can be set into jewelry provided it receives special handling and consideration with respect to wear. Cabochons of this gemstone are perfect for necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. Faceted Rhodochrosite can also be set into jewelry.
Faceted rhodochrosite can be readily separated from possible imitations on the basis of standard gemological testing.
Protect Rhodochrosite from sudden shocks and sudden temperature changes. Keep Rhodochrosite away from heat or flames, abrasions, and hydrochloric acid. Clean in soap and water only; do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Why We Love This Gemstone
Found in Colorado:
The best deposits of Rhodochrosite are found in Colorado (Sweet Home Mine) which provides intense transparent red crystals suitable for faceting gems over 60 ct.r.
Hard to Mine:
Rhodochrosite was discovered during the time of the Incas, but it wasn’t until recently were mining techniques developed to recover these stones economically.
Rose of the Incas:
Argentina has the longest tradition of using Rhodochrosite to make lapidary objects. Called the “Rose of the Incas”, it was mined there by Indians in the 13th century
COLOR
Transparent crystals are extremely rare but can be found and make for excellent faceting gems
CLARITY
Rhodochrosite is usually a solid color, but transparent crystals can be found with beautiful luster
CUT
Rhodochrosite can be cut into cabochons as well as faceted gems depending on the quality of the gemstone
CARAT
Faceting quality gemstones can come in sizes over 60 ct. However, anything over 20 ct is extremely rare.