Rhodonite is a pink manganese mineral. The name rhodonite comes from rhodos, the Greek word for rose, referring to the stone's distinct pink or rose red color. Some rhodonite stones display beautiful black veins or patches within the stone. These black spots are due to concentrations of manganese oxides and stones displaying these features are more popular than the uniform pink stones. Banded rhodonite became a very popular ornamental stone during the 1930s, after the discovery of the fine material in Argentina. These particular stones from Argentina are sometimes called Inca Rose. Argentina is the main source of this pink-banded rhodonite, which is semi-opaque to opaque. It's actually inexpensive and sold by the piece. Much of it is used for carvings, spheres and other ornamental items. Some is also found in Peru, South Africa, Mexico and Japan. In 1974, an important new source of rhodonite was discovered at N'chwaning in Cape Province, South Africa, where banded rhodonite and fine transparent crystals are both found.
Rhodonite rates a 5.5 to 6.5 on the Moh's hardness scale. It has a vitreous luster and a translucent to opaque transparency. It is not usually heat-treated. Massive rhodonite is usually also opaque to translucent and is carved or cut as cabochons or beads. Transparent crystals are rare and fragile, but some have been cut for collectors. Rhodonite sometimes occurs as distinct, translucent to opaque crystals, but more often it occurs in compact, crystalline masses of a patchy pink flesh red or brownish red color, often with blackish veining formed by metamorphism of other manganese minerals.
The United States is the main producer of Rhodonite crystals. The finest specimens are the red, transparent gem quality crystals, which come from the Sweet Home Mine, in Colorado. These varieties are extremely rare and can retail for as much as $150-500 per carat in weights above one carat. When stones are more than 10 carats, the price can go up to $1000 per carat. Rhodonite became the official state mineral of Colorado in June of 1902. However, the Colorado mine is now closed. Massive rhodonite material is fairly widespread and has been found all over the world, from the Ural Mountains in Russia, to Sweden, Great Britain, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Madagascar, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Tanzania, South America and South Africa.
Some people say rhodonite has a beneficial effect on the growth of bones and the auditory system. The stone is also believed to be able to detoxify the body, healing digestive problems and ulcers. Psychologically, the stone is said to awaken the wearer to the tenderness of feelings within. It is a stone that speaks to us when our hearts become hardened through unhappiness. It aids us in taking new risks to achieve happiness. It prepares us to love again, and to be able to receive love as well. It is also a very emotionally grounding stone. To take proper care of your rhodonite stone, it is important to avoid ultrasonic cleaners, rough handling, heat and chemicals. Rhodinite should be cleaned in warm soapy water.
