Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral. In its rare pure form, it is typically a rose-red color, but impure specimens can be shades of pink to pale brown. It is transparent to translucent and its streaks are creamy white. Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral along with other manganese minerals in low temperature ore deposits as in the silver mines of Romania where it was first found. Banded Rhodochrosite is mined in Capillitas, Argentina. Catamarca, Argentina has an old inca silver mine that has produced fine stalatitic examples of rhodochrosite that are unique and very attractive. Cut cross-sections reveal concentric bands of light and dark rose colored layers. These specimens are carved and used for many ornamental purposes. It was first described in 1813 in reference to a sample from Cavnic, Maramures which is present-day Romania. The name is derived from the Greek word for rose-colored. Colorado officially named Rhodochrosite as its state mineral in 2002.
Dark to Medium Rose Pink, Creamy White Banding, Good Cut, Good Polish, Good Dome.
Moh's Hardness = 3.5 - 4.5.
Moh's Hardness = 3.5 - 4.5.
