Gem Profile- Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite Facts

Rhodochrosite, from the Greek "rhodo" (rose) and "khros" (color), is manganese carbonate found in ore veins and large manganese deposits.

It has a grainy texture, similar to brown sugar, and ranges in color from dark rose to light pink, gray, or brown.

The color variation, which many wire artists find intriguing, is caused by trace compounds such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and cobalt. Its luster ranges from glassy to a subtle pearly sheen.

Rhodochrosite is a visually striking addition to any jewelry collection, though it is soft and should be handled carefully.

Its vibrant red tones and iridescence stand out beautifully when wrapped or set in white metals like sterling or Argentium®, or paired with white gemstones or clear Swarovski® crystals.

Rhodochrosite wire wrapped by Beverly Brown

Rhodochrosite and Similar Stones

Rhodochrosite ranks 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for filing and reshaping, and has a specific gravity of 3.4 to 3.6.

Pure specimens with a deep rose color are very rare, so lighter pink, impure stones are commonly used.

These lighter stones are often confused with rhodonite because both are manganese minerals.

However, rhodonite is a much more stable compound.

One way to distinguish them is by hardness: rhodonite measures 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it significantly harder than rhodochrosite.

Rhodonite is also an opaque gem-rock, typically deep pink with consistent color and black manganese inclusions appearing as streaks or specks.

A variety of rhodochrosite jewelry making components. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.

Rhodonite rarely contains white unless crystals have formed in quartz, creating attractive shelf pieces.

However, these often contain internal fractures that can splinter or crumble if cut.

Most rhodochrosite on the market has white or cream banding, giving it a lace-like appearance.

It may also contain tiny black manganese inclusions, which are generally undesirable for professional jewelry designers.

As a carbonate manganese mineral, rhodochrosite is soft and considered a "gem-rock." It has unique cleavage, peaking in three directions, with distinct crystal twinning visible in most pure specimens.

These features make rhodochrosite difficult to cut uniformly, so it is rarely found in faceted jewelry unless crafted by an experienced artisan.

AAA grade rhodochrosite carved cougar and B grade Buddha. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.

Rhodochrosite History and Sources

Rhodochrosite pendant wrapped with gold filled wire
AAA grade rhodochrosite cabochon cut by Charlie Armstrong and wrapped into a pendant with gold-filled wire by Dale Cougar Armstrong.

Rhodochrosite was first discovered in silver mine ore deposits in Romania in 1813.

Since then, it has been mined in Argentina, Japan, Peru, Russia, and South Africa. The purest and largest specimens, however, come from the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado. Colorado designated rhodochrosite as its state mineral in 2002.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science displays the world's largest single rhodochrosite crystal, named the "Alma King" in honor of its mine of origin.

Before its value for collectors and jewelry makers was recognized, rhodochrosite was often discarded because it disrupts the silver blending process and is considered an impurity in silver mining.

Most high-quality rhodochrosite comes from South America. In Argentina, it was discovered hidden within stalactites and stalagmites in ancient caves.

These large cave formations, composed of calcium carbonate and lime deposits, reveal stunning red rhodochrosite cores when broken apart.

AAA grade rhodochrosite cabochon cut by Charlie Armstrong and wrapped into a pendant with gold-filled wire by Dale Cougar Armstrong.

Rhodochrosite in Culture

Like most gems, rhodochrosite is rich in cultural history.

The Incas believed that rhodochrosite was the blood of their ancestors in solid form, so this rock is sometimes called "la Rosa Del Inca" or "the Inca Rose."

The Incas wore these stones when facing enemies, believing that it would give them strength and peace of mind in times of conflict.

Rhodochrosite heart pendant, wire wrapped by Jackie Morris