Rhodochrosite For Sale

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral that ranges in color from light pink to bright red. It is found in a small number of locations worldwide where other manganese minerals are usually present. It is most often found as a stalactite/stalagmite formation, but it does form individual crystals that are rhombohedral and scalenohedral in shape. Rhodochrosite earned its name after the Greek word for "rose colored".

Wide Rhodochrosite Jewelry Box - Stunning #63484

7.8" Wide Rhodochrosite Jewelry Box - Stunning

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Polished Rhodochrosite Skull - Argentina #78067

4.2" Polished Rhodochrosite Skull - Argentina

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Wide Rhodochrosite Jewelry Box - Gorgeous #78065

8" Wide Rhodochrosite Jewelry Box - Gorgeous

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How Does Rhodochrosite Form?

Rhodochrosite has the general chemical formula MnCO₃ and occurs as a result of hydrothermal activity and deposition from dissolved minerals in manganese ore deposits. Most often, these deposits occur within metamorphic or sedimentary rock. Individual crystals form when manganese and carbonate ions are present within the same solution and are provided with a cavity and favorable environment for formation. These minerals can accumulate as a result of the breakdown of surrounding rocks by an aqueous solution. This solution then drips from the rock into cavities where the minerals naturally accumulate and deposit along the walls, ceiling, and/or floor of the cavity. Other impurities within this solution can make their way into the crystal lattice, resulting in a variety of color hues that can range from light pink to deep red depending on the variable chemical. Some crystals even bear a brownish color. In rare cases, no applicable impurities will be present within the solution, resulting in a "pure" crystal formation that is most often a rose-red color.

Generally, rhodochrosite will form as massive deposits from ascending hydrothermal fluids that fill cavities within metamorphic rock. Another rhodochrosite mass formation involves a descending aqueous solution that gathers the necessary minerals for formation, later to be deposited in open cavities within rock. This type of formation can result in stalactites (ceiling) and stalagmites (floor), assuming enough room is available for such deposition. These rhodochrosite stalactites can be found as a byproduct of silver mining, since silver and manganese are commonly found in association with each other.

Rhodochrosite fits into the isomorphic calcite group, meaning the individual crystals will present themselves with the same crystal structure. Like calcite crystals, rhodochrosite will form as rhombohedral and scalenohedral crystals, both of which cleave with three-directional rhombohedral cleavage.

Where Can Rhodochrosite Be Found?

Known rhodochrosite deposits around the world include the United States (Colorado and Montana), Argentina, Peru, South Africa (Karuman), Russia, Mexico, Romania, Japan, and Gabon. Few locations produce well-formed crystals, so these specimens are considered rare and quite valuable for aesthetic purposes.

One of the most well known locations that produces rhodochrosite crystals is the Sweet Home Mine in Park County, Colorado. The crystals from this mine are known for their brilliant luster, color, and, most importantly, their size. These crystals can range anywhere from microscopic up to 5 or more inches! In fact, the largest documented rhodochrosite crystal discovery occurred in this mine. This rhodochrosite crystal, which has since been named "Alma King", measures 5.9" across and now resides in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Colorado named rhodochrosite being named the state mineral in 2002 to honor the many world-class specimens from this mine.

One of the most well known deposits of rhodochrosite stalactites and stalagmites is the Capillitas Mine in the Catamarca Province of Argentina. These accumulations of rhodochrosite formed from precipitating minerals have become highly sought after for polished slabs and lapidary/jewelry material. This mine is considered to be the world's largest known mass of rhodochrosite.

The history of this mining district in Argentina stretches back to Inca silver mines created around the 13-14th centuries. Aqueous solutions precipitating from rocks surrounding their mining tunnels began dripping through the walls and ceilings, creating stalactites and stalagmites of rhodochrosite over the centuries. These deposits resulted in banded rhodochrosite formations that have since been cut and polished, revealing the concentric rings of rhodochrosite and carbonate mineral formations.

Is Rhodochrosite The Same As Rhodonite?

Rhodochrosite and rhodonite both contain manganese, which in both instances presents itself in similar rose-red colors. That being said, rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate (MnCO₃) while rhodonite is a manganese silicate (MnSiO₃).

How Does Rhodochrosite Form?

Where Can Rhodochrosite Be Found?

Is Rhodochrosite The Same As Rhodonite?