RHODONITE

Rhodonite is an attractive mineral that is often carved and used in jewelry. It is named after the Greek word for rose, rhodon. Its rose-pink color is distinctive and can only be confused with rhodochrosite and the rare mineral, pyroxmangite, MnSiO3. Rhodochrosite however is streaked with white minerals such as calcite and is reactive to acids. While rhodonite does not react to acids and is usually associated with black manganese minerals and pyrite. Pyroxmangite is a little harder to distinguish because the two minerals are closely related and x-ray studies are usually needed when found massive. Crystals of pyroxmangite are often twinned as is not the case with rhodochrosite crystals. Crystals of rhodonite, while not in nearly the same abundance as massive rhodonite, are still found and distributed on the mineral markets. They come from a few notable localities and are considered classics by collectors.

a nice Spidermine rhodonite slab

rhodonite from Callington from a small Manganese mine called Pencrebor, which is on land owned by Michael Foot (ex PM)!

Hardness: 5.5 - 6 Other characteristics

Helps recuperation after a misfortune, rebuilding and restoring. It also assists communication of the written and spoken word and is suited to those involved in the areas of language and the media. Healing: recuperation, hearing, amnesia.