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Rhodonite

A species of Rhodonite Group, Also known as Cummingtonite, Hydropite, Mangan-Amphibole, Rhodoarsenian, Rothspatch, Pajsbergite

A manganese inosilicate, rhodonite often displays prismatic and almost perfect cleavage in its natural state. It owes its coloring to traces of manganese, for which rhodonite was historically mined as an ore in India. An uncommon stone, it is the official gemstone of Massachusetts.

Hardness:

5.5 - 6.5

Density:

3.726 g/cm³

General Info About Rhodonite

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Physical Properties of Rhodonite

Luster

Pearly, Vitreous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Red, pink, brownish-red, gray

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Perfect

Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven

Streak

White

Crystal System

Triclinic

Hardness

5.5 - 6.5 , Hard

Density

3.726 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Rhodonite

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Formula

CaMn₃Mn[Si₅O₁₅]

Elements listed

Ca, Mn, O, Si

Common Impurities

Al, Ca, Fe, Zn

Optical Properties of Rhodonite

Refractive Index

1.711-1.752

Birefringence

0.010-0.014

Pleochroism

Distinct: yellowish-red, pinkish-red, yellowish-red

Optical Character

Biaxial positive

Health Risk of Rhodonite

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What is the hazards of Rhodonite?

Harm Type

Heavy Metals

Rhodonite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Manganese.

Manganese

How to prevent the risks of Rhodonite?

Avoid inhaling its dust!

Avoid putting it into mouth!

Rhodonite is safe to handle in its finished, polished state, but excessive exposure to its dust may lead to heavy metal poisoning. When cutting or polishing rhodonite, wear a dust mask to minimize dust inhalation. Store it in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.

Discover the Value of Rhodonite

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Rarity

Uncommon

Collection Recommendation

4.2 out of 5

Popularity

3.7

Aesthetic

4.3

Rarity

4.2

Sci-Cultural Value

3.8

The Market Price of Rhodonite

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Color and weight are the decisive factors affecting the price of rhodonite. At about 2.5 cm across, the price of a tumbled stone with average quality is usually $3-$6/piece. Top-quality rhodonite appears uniformly vivid red, transparent, and free of impurities. It is very rare; the price of crystals about 2.5 cm can reach thousands of dollars.

Rough/Tumbled Price

Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)

$3 - $20

Close Hand (1.5-3in)

$20 - $50

Equal To Hand (3-6in)

$45 - $70

Bigger Than Hand (>6in)

$70

How to Care for Rhodonite?

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Durability

Nondurable

Scratch resistance

Poor

Toughness of Rhodonite

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

The poor toughness of rhodonite results from its perfect cleavage, indicating an ease of splitting along certain planes. This intrinsic weakness leaves it vulnerable to chipping and fracturing during regular use.

Stability of Rhodonite

Sensitive

Stable

Rhodonite's susceptibility to sunlight and heat exposure as well as chemical reactions classifies it as sensitive for daily use despite its resistance to water and stains.

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Real vs Fake Rhodonite

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3 Ways to Tell if rhodonite is Real

Fake Alert Level:

Caution Needed

Natural rhodonite is sometimes dyed to enhance its color and often marketed as "Peach Blossom Jade" without disclosure of treatment. There is nothing wrong with buying dyed rhodonite as long as you know what you're purchasing and pay a fair price. Rhodonite is occasionally replicated with materials like Dyed Quartzite, particularly in bead or jewelry purchases. It's wise to purchase from reputable retailers and, if possible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of rhodonite.

More Details About Real vs Fake

Real

Fake

How to identify it?

Color Luster Transparency

Characteristics of Rhodonite

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Rock Types of Rhodonite

The manganese is often partly replaced by iron, magnesium, calcium, and sometimes zinc, which may sometimes be present in considerable amounts; a greyish-brown variety containing as much as 20% of calcium oxide is called bustamite; fowlerite is a zinciferous variety containing 7% of zinc oxide.

Characteristics of Rhodonite

Rhodonite crystals often have a thick tabular habit, but are rare. It has a perfect, prismatic cleavage, almost at right angles. The hardness is 5.5–6.5, and the specific gravity is 3.4–3.7; luster is vitreous, being less frequently pearly on cleavage surfaces.

Cultural Significance of Rhodonite

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Uses of Rhodonite

Historically, rhodonite was utilized as a minor manganese ore. Today, it is used mostly as an ornamental rock, jewelry gem, and is often a part of mineral collections. Its rare transparent crystal form is very attractive and highly sought-after by collectors.

The Meaning of Rhodonite

After its discovery in the late 19th century, rhodonite became a popular protective stone in Russia. The stone was often put in baby's cribs to protect children and help them grow strong. It was also used as a talisman by travellers during their journeys. Rhodonite is a state gemstone of Massachusetts (USA).

Distribution of Rhodonite

In the iron and manganese mines at Pajsberg near Filipstad and Långban in Värmland, Sweden, small brilliant and translucent crystals (pajsbergite) and cleavage masses occur. Fowlerite occurs as large, rough crystals, somewhat resembling pink feldspar, with franklinite and zinc ores in granular limestone at Franklin Furnace in New Jersey.

Etymology of Rhodonite

It commonly occurs as cleavable to compact masses with a rose-red color (the name comes from the Greek ῥόδος rhodos, rosy), often tending to brown because of surface oxidation.

Healing Properties of Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a peaceful stone that helps believers feel more compassionate and forgiving, encouraging harmony in troubled relationships. It has a calming nature that when used with the Heart chakra may help with emotional healing. Wear it as jewelry or carry a piece close to the body so your emotions may be more controlled and your reactions more mindful.

Chakras

Heart