Rhodonite Properties, Facts and Photos

Rhodonite Properties (geology)

Rhodonite is a naturally occurring mineral whose colour varies from light pink to deep red. Stones often feature black markings caused by manganese oxides.

These markings can form as dendrites, which are crystals with a branching shape. The word 'dendrite' comes from the Greek 'dendron', meaning 'tree'.

Dendrites often resemble organic matter.

The markings caused by manganese oxides can also occur as veins, fracture fillings, or form part of the matrix. Matrix is the host rock in which the mineral rhodonite forms.

Rhodonite forms primarily in metamorphic rocks. After the crystals have formed, exposure to oxygen can cause them to oxidise due to the presence of manganese. During the oxidation process, manganese minerals in the rock react with oxygen, producing manganese oxide minerals that tend to be black.

Over time, a crust or coating of manganese oxides forms on the surface of the crystals. The crust, which can vary in thickness as it grows, can form intricate patterns, such as dendrites or veins.

An oxide is a chemical compound that contains at least one oxygen atom and one other element in its chemical composition.

Manganese minerals and manganese oxide minerals describe different chemical compounds, both of which contain manganese.

Manganese minerals contain manganese as their essential component. They can have various chemical compositions and crystal structures.

Manganese oxide minerals refer to minerals where manganese is combined with oxygen. Virtually no other chemical element is present. Manganese oxide minerals can also have different compositions and structures.Pure rhodonite crystals that have not been oxidised can be found but are very rare.

Although rhodonite can form individual crystals, it's more common for this mineral to crystallise in masses. Crystals that form with a massive crystal habit grow in a tightly intergrown, shapeless mass.

Rhodonite is a relatively rare mineral but can be found in many locations around the world, but only in small quantities.

The Meaning of 'Rhodonite'

The meaning of rhodonite comes from the Greek word 'rhodon', meaning 'rose' because of its colour.

Discovered in the Ural Mountains in 1790, rhodonite was named in 1819 by German naturalist Christoph Friedrich Jasche.

Most material used for lapidary purposes is opaque. Deep red-coloured translucent crystals are used for gemstones but are far more rare. Although usually faceted, rhodonite is extremely difficult to cut due to its perfect cleavage in two directions.

Rhodonite is found in the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, India, Madagascar, South America, New Zealand and Tanzania.

The Difference Between Rhodonite and Rhodochrosite

Rhodonite and rhodochrosite are two different manganese minerals that are often confused due to their names and similar pinkish-red colour.

'Rhodochrosite comes from the Greek 'rhodon' meaning 'rose', and 'chroma' meaning 'colour'. 'Rhodonite' also comes from the Greek word 'rhodon', in reference to its colour.

Although individual crystals occur in both minerals, they're extremely rare. Rhodonite and rhodochrosite occur more often in masses. In this crystal habit, crystals grow tightly together as one large, shapeless mass.

Rhodonite is the rarer of the two minerals.

The most significant difference is hardness. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, rhodonite grades 5.5 to 6.5, while rhodochrosite grades 3.5 to 4. Therefore, rhodochrosite is much softer.

Identifying well-formed, translucent crystals of rhodochrosite and rhodonite can be more difficult on sight alone. However, material that occurs with a massive crystal habit is much easier.

Although black markings caused by manganese oxides can occur in rhodonite and rhodochrosite, the way it forms is distinctively different in both minerals.

Rhodochrosite can usually be identified from its white streaks of calcite or concentric bands.
The mineral being sold in the following photo is rhodonite, not rhodochrosite. 

Rhodonite Healing Properties

The properties of rhodonite are associated with love, compassion, and healing, particularly when related to matters of the heart.

Rhodonite is a stone to carry if you want to make yourself heard. It improves communication and facilitates mutual understanding.

It's beneficial for those going through a significant change in life. This is even more relevant when the situation is not of your choosing.

Rhodonite dispels negative states of mind, confusion and anxiety. It promotes feelings of well-being and raises optimism.

Associated with the heart chakra, it activates love energies and eases tension.

Rhodonite can help those who regularly deal with upsetting or difficult situations.

It promotes calmness and confidence and improves the ability to communicate in a loving and compassionate manner.

Article Pictures

The rhodonite picture at the top of our article is courtesy of Stan Celestian.

The crystal in the second photo is courtesy of The Arkenstone.

The third photo was taken by Stone Mania during a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C.

Pictures are clickable and redirect to the original image.

The rhodochrosite is also on display in the Smithsonian. 

Pop-up images: Rhodonite - Courtesy of Igor Schwartzmann. Dendrites - Courtesy of Captain Tenneal.