Handmade gemstone jewelry - Rhodochrosite

The first time I saw rhodochrosite I was impressed with its unique beauty. I loved the beautiful pink with its wavy bands of white.

Like many gemstones the appearance of rhodochrosite is different depending on the individual stone. The crystal form of rhodochrosite is vivid pink to red and relatively clear. It is quite rare and unique and is said to be so vivid that it appears to be lighted from within.Then there are varying grades of rhodochrosite with more banding and more colors. The rhodochrosite most commonly seen is pink with white or cream colored lacy banding, as mentioned above. There is rhodochrosite with dark inclusions of manganese. There is even brown rhodochrosite. 

As with many fine gemstones, the more transparent a stone is, the better quality it is considered to be. The more transparent, less dense rhodochrosite is considered to be of higher quality. Of course everyone has their personal favorites.

According to some sources rhodochrosite is a rare gemstone. In my experience good rhodochrosite is rather difficult to find.

Rhodochrosite is mined all over the world, but one interesting form of rhodochrosite occurs in the forms of stalagmites and stalactites in the old Inca silver mines if the 13th century in Argentina. These formations are banded with concentric growth layers. They are often cut into slabs for collectors.

It's hard to determine the history of rhodochrosite. Some sources say it was discovered in Colorado, others say Argentina or Romania. Included among several mining locations rhodochrosite is mined in the Kalahari desert in southern Africa where huge veins of rhodochrosite have been found, as well as in China, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Peru. Rhodochrosite is the state mineral of Colorado.

Some of the best specimens of large red crystals of Rhodochrosite are found in the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado, one of the few places on earth where such fine specimens have been found.

Rhodochrosite is said to be a high energy stone, and a stone of love and balance. It helps to clear negativity and bring a positive outlook. It is said to increase positive emotions, self confidence and inner freedom.Rhodochrosite is 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale of hardness, with 10 being the hardest. It is a relatively soft stone.