About Rhodochrosite
Manganese carbonate, known for its beautiful rose-red to pink color, often with banding. It's a premier stone of selfless love, compassion, and emotional healing, helping to attract soulmates and expand consciousness.
Primary Hues
Rose-Red, Pink, Yellowish-Grey, Brownish, often banded, (Distinct from Rhodonite)
Geological & Scientific Details
Rhodochrosite is classified as a carbonate minerals mineral which typically crystallizes in the trigonal system. Its chemical formula is MnCO3. Common crystal habits include rhombohedral and scalenohedral crystals; also commonly bladed, columnar, stalactitic, botryoidal, granular or massive.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Carbonate minerals
- Chemical Formula: MnCO3
- IMA Symbol: Rds[1]
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Formula Mass (g/mol): 114.95 g/mol
- Predominant Geological Color: Pink, rose, rose-red, red, cherry-red, yellow, yellowish grey, grey, cinnamon-brown, white, may be banded; colourless to pale rose in transmitted light.
- Crystal Habit: Rhombohedral and scalenohedral crystals; also commonly bladed, columnar, stalactitic, botryoidal, granular or massive
- Twinning: On {1012} as contact and lamellar
- Cleavage: On {1011} perfect; parting on {1012}
- Streak: White
- Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent