I think Rhodochrosite is one of the loveliest minerals – not just because it comes from Argentina and reminds me of what a wonderful country that is with all its diversity … I was lucky enough to go there !
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral. It is typically a rose red colour in its, rare, pure form, but can also be shades of pink. Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral.
This beautiful piece is a slice through a hydrothermal vein showing the swirling cross section of the Rhodochrosite crystals that have formed there.
Rhodochrosite was first found in silver mines in Romania. It is mined in Capillitas, Argentina. Catamarca, also in Argentina, has an old Inca silver mine where wonderful stalactitic pieces have been found.
First described in 1813 Rhod0chrosite is named as a derivative of the Greek word for rose-coloured. It has perfect cleavage but is relatively soft thus it is very difficult to cut into traditional, formal, shapes and so is rarely found in faceted jewellery pieces.
Charlotte
© Copyright Charlotte M Bailey 2012
