Geology/History
Rhodochrosite’s pure form is rare & is typically a rose-red colour. Siderite, Calcium, magnesium & zinc will change specimen colour from shades of pink to pale brown. Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral, with other manganese minerals in low temperature ore deposits. Tends to occur near silver as in the silver mines of Romania where it was first found. Banded Rhodochrosite is mined in Capillitas, Argentina. Catamarca in Argentina has an old Incan silver mine where fine stalactitic examples of rhodochrosite have been found, they are unique & very beautiful.
Metaphysical Meaning
The Inca Rose
The Incas believed Rhodochrosite is the blood of their ancestors & former rulers turned to stone & is sometimes referred to as "Rosa del Inca" or "Inca Rose".
Represents selfless love & compassion. Excellent for stimulating heart energy & harmonious relationships. A wonderful leadership stone as it promotes acceptance & understanding, turning hurtful experiences into valuable life lessons. Helps to release irrational fears & paranoia. Lifts depressed moods bringing a lightness & playfulness to life. Meditate with to visit ancestors & ancient beings. Brings peace, happiness & joyful laughter. A fantastic growth stone both physically & spiritually.
Crystal Healing
Good for pregnancy, asthma, kidneys, eyesight, blood pressure. Relieves stress, migraines & anxiety. Great for healing abuse.
Minerology
Group: Carbonate mineral
Crystal System: Trigonal
Composition: MnCO3
Form/Habit: Rhombohedral & scalenohedral crystals - also commonly bladed, columnar, stalactitic, botryoidal, granular or massive
Hardness: 3.5-4
Cleavage: On {1011} perfect; parting on {1012}
Fracture: Uneven, conchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous - pearly
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 3.7
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
R.I: nω = 1.814 - 1.816 nε = 1.596 - 1.598
Colour: Pink, rose-red, cherry-red, yellow, yellowish gray, cinnamon-brown, may be banded
Birefringence: δ = 0.218
Pleochroism: Weak
Causes of Colour: Manganese - Siderite, Calcium, magnesium & zinc
Fluorescence: None
Rhodochrosite’s pure form is rare & is typically a rose-red colour. Siderite, Calcium, magnesium & zinc will change specimen colour from shades of pink to pale brown. Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral, with other manganese minerals in low temperature ore deposits. Tends to occur near silver as in the silver mines of Romania where it was first found. Banded Rhodochrosite is mined in Capillitas, Argentina. Catamarca in Argentina has an old Incan silver mine where fine stalactitic examples of rhodochrosite have been found, they are unique & very beautiful.
Metaphysical Meaning
The Inca Rose
The Incas believed Rhodochrosite is the blood of their ancestors & former rulers turned to stone & is sometimes referred to as "Rosa del Inca" or "Inca Rose".
Represents selfless love & compassion. Excellent for stimulating heart energy & harmonious relationships. A wonderful leadership stone as it promotes acceptance & understanding, turning hurtful experiences into valuable life lessons. Helps to release irrational fears & paranoia. Lifts depressed moods bringing a lightness & playfulness to life. Meditate with to visit ancestors & ancient beings. Brings peace, happiness & joyful laughter. A fantastic growth stone both physically & spiritually.
Crystal Healing
Good for pregnancy, asthma, kidneys, eyesight, blood pressure. Relieves stress, migraines & anxiety. Great for healing abuse.
Minerology
Group: Carbonate mineral
Crystal System: Trigonal
Composition: MnCO3
Form/Habit: Rhombohedral & scalenohedral crystals - also commonly bladed, columnar, stalactitic, botryoidal, granular or massive
Hardness: 3.5-4
Cleavage: On {1011} perfect; parting on {1012}
Fracture: Uneven, conchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous - pearly
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 3.7
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
R.I: nω = 1.814 - 1.816 nε = 1.596 - 1.598
Colour: Pink, rose-red, cherry-red, yellow, yellowish gray, cinnamon-brown, may be banded
Birefringence: δ = 0.218
Pleochroism: Weak
Causes of Colour: Manganese - Siderite, Calcium, magnesium & zinc
Fluorescence: None