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- 1. Rhodochrosite
- 2. The History of Rhodochrosite
- 3. Rhodochrosite Metaphysical Properties
- 4. Deposits of Rhodochrosite
- 5. Healing Properties of Rhodochrosite
- 6. Magical Properties of Rhodochrosite
- 7. Rhodochrosite for Jewelry Making
Rhodochrosite
Widespread throughout the globe, manganese carbonate is used as an ore for the extraction of manganese and in metallurgy. Sometimes, however, the mineral comes through metamorphoses that make it translucent and even clear exposing its layered structure colored in gentle pink. It would be a shame to destroy these pretty rocks to produce steel. Luckily, people were wise enough to see their decorative quality. The Incas, who first discovered the pink mineral, were amazed at its beauty. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets they crafted take a pride of place in museums from all over the world. Today, the mineral much-respected by the Incas is known as rhodochrosite.
The History of Rhodochrosite
History has retained the moniker of the mineral given by Native Americans, the Inca rose. The gem got its modern name in the 1930s when explorers came across abandoned Inca mines and pink jewels they hid. Rhodochrosite is a derivative of two Greek words, "rhodon" and "hrosis," meaning rose and color respectively. The felicitous name nodes to the statement color of the stone, the moniker given by ancient civilizations, and one of the ancient legends you’re about to read.
The legend tells a story of an immortal elf and a regular girl. The elf who lived in deep caves was a mighty sorcerer. He invited the earthly girl to his place and she agreed to be his lover. However, their happiness didn’t last long because she was missing the beauty of nature.
The elf did not want his companion to feel down. He whispered a spell and his cave blossomed. Millions of delicate pink buds covered the walls. The elf created rock roses, and now we know them as rhodochrosites. His loved one rejoiced and they lived happily ever after.
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Rhodochrosite Metaphysical Properties
Rhodochrosites belong to the manganese spar family and are ore-forming minerals. The characteristic crimson-pink color of the mineral is evidence of manganese in the composition.
Nature gives rhodochrosites a variety of forms: crystals, spherulites (round formations), scaly aggregates resembling flowers, etc. Jewelry-grade rhodochrosite is either completely clear or translucent. The latter has a striped texture due to the alternation of red-crimson layers with light pink and whitish ones. Layers of a different color are rich in admixtures. Calcium provides a lighter shade, cobalt enhances the red tone, and iron contributes to the occurrence of brown or reddish colors. Polished crystals have a glassy luster and the adhesion areas feature a pearly effect.
Rhodochrosite is a fairly soft and brittle mineral landing at 4 on the Mohs hardness scale. One of its distinctive features is perfect cleavage, i.e. the ability to split into miniature crystals. This property along with brittleness makes rhodochrosites fairly difficult to cut. More often than not, they carry cabochon cuts.
Deposits of Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite has many deposit fields around the globe. In its historical homeland, South America, it is mined in Argentina and Peru. The largest deposit in Argentina is located high in the mountains in the Capilitas Mine. Rhodochrosite crystals are enclosed in million-year old stalactites. Gems obtained from this mine are highly valued for their purity and rich color. On the outside, they are of an unsightly brown color, all the beauty is hidden within. This is virtually the only place that provides rhodochrosite featuring dark brown stripes.
North America has rhodochrosite deposits as well. The reddish mineral is actually an official gemstone of Colorado. The ruby-red Alma King, which is the most beautiful and largest rhodochrosite crystal, was found in this state.
Other major deposits are located in Russia, Kazakhstan, and South Africa. The stones that come from Australia and Afghanistan are distinguished by the flashes of green color.
Healing Properties of Rhodochrosite
It is believed that rhodochrosite is able to unclog blood vessels and remove toxins from the body. Its unique properties make it irreplaceable in cosmetology. You can use smooth rhodochrosite balls to massage your skin in order to restore its healthy color and top shape. These procedures will help you get rid of fine wrinkles, droopiness, and pigmentation. On top of that, interaction with the mineral aids to normalize sleep and eliminate stress.
Rhodochrosite plates intended for healing practices are able to relieve irritation and pain. To make use of these properties, you need to warm them up, wrap them in a piece of cloth, and apply to areas you wish to cure. This kind of treatment is suitable for people who want to accelerate recovery after an injury or surgery.
In Lithotherapy practices, rhodochrosite is used to improve vision. If you’d like to relieve eye fatigue, lithotherapists advise looking at the gem for 10-15 minutes.
Magical Properties of Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite manifests the strongest power when it comes to love and relationships. It is actually a symbol of passionate feelings in many South American cultures. The mineral warms the heart, helps find understanding, and makes its owner more attractive in the eyes of a beholder.
Along with that, the stone is capable of making a person more energetic and sagacious. With this gem, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
It’s pretty easy to learn whether the stone is a good match for you. Just hold it in your palm and try to register your sensations. If you feel a gem instantly getting warm, you’ve found your talisman. However, if it stays cool for a long time, you need to look for another patron.
Rhodochrosite can turn your life around so it is vital that you are not afraid of change. Besides that, it is able to protect you from evil eyes, negativity, and misfortune. If you have a Rhodochrosite amulet or talisman, you need to keep it in ‘work conditions’. To do so, wash it under running water every once in a while.
Rhodochrosite for Jewelry Making
Here, at KenKenGems, we gathered an extensive rhodochrosite collection to meet all your jewelry needs to a T. Rhodochrosite for sale in strands, half-strands, settings, and loose are at your disposal whether you’re looking for wear-ready or DIY jewelry solutions. Gem collectors are going to be pleased as well since the one-of-a-kind rhodochrosites from Peru and Argentina we carry are nothing short of marvelous.
