Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a rose-pink stone that is usually crossed with black veins and patches, a pattern that gives each piece its own character. It is often confused with a pink stone of a different name, and it deserves to be known on its own terms.

What it is

Rhodonite is a manganese silicate, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Its pink colour comes from manganese, and the black veining is manganese oxide that forms as the stone weathers. Clear, gem-quality crystals are rare and are prized by collectors, while the massive, veined material is what is usually cut into cabochons, beads and carvings.

It is found in Russia, in the Ural Mountains, and in Australia (Broken Hill), Sweden, Brazil, Peru, Japan and the United States. The name comes from the Greek rhodon, rose.

History and culture

In Russia, rhodonite has been cut and carved for over two centuries, and the region of Ekaterinburg in the Urals developed a celebrated tradition of stone-cutting, making vases, boxes and architectural ornaments from local stones. Rhodonite from the Urals is among the best known.

In the United States, rhodonite is the official state gem of Massachusetts, where the stone is a point of local pride.

Rhodonite is often mixed up with rhodochrosite, which is another pink stone. Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate, much softer at 3.5 to 4, and usually shows banded, translucent pinks. Rhodonite is harder, more opaque, and shows black veining. Both are often found in the same stone shops and are regularly mislabelled.

What crystal traditions associate with it

In many crystal traditions, rhodonite is associated with compassion, generosity and emotional balance, and with the heart chakra, in part because of its rose colour. It is sometimes linked with Taurus and Gemini in zodiac stone lists, though sources vary. These are symbolic associations and not claims about effects.

How people use it

Rhodonite is cut as cabochons, beads and pendants, and made into carved objects such as eggs, spheres and small animals. Some people keep a tumbled piece on a desk or carry it as a pocket stone, and many pieces are admired as small landscapes in pink and black. Its colour goes well with silver and with black.

Care and safety

• Rhodonite is fairly tough but can chip or fracture, especially along veins. Avoid knocks.
• Clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and dry it. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals, and avoid acids.
• Manganese compounds can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Do not swallow stones, do not use them in drinking water or elixirs, and do not inhale dust from cutting.
• Keep out of direct strong sun for long periods, since it may dull the colour.

Imitations

Rhodonite is often sold as a cheaper alternative to rhodochrosite, and dyed pink stones, such as dyed jasper, are also sold under the name. Natural rhodonite has a characteristic pink with irregular black veining, and dyed stones often look more uniform.

Sourcing

Much of the commercial supply comes from small-scale mining operations in several countries. Ask about origin if you want to know how a stone was obtained.

A note on health. Crystals are valued for beauty, meaning and ritual. There is no scientific evidence that they treat health conditions. If you are struggling with your health or mood, please speak to a doctor.

Frequently asked questions