Rhodonite

“Rose-pink manganese beauty”

Mineral

Rhodonite is a manganese silicate mineral known for its vibrant pink to rose-red color, often veined with black manganese oxide. It's valued both as a gemstone and an ornamental stone, and has been used in decorative arts and architecture for centuries.

Composition

manganese inosilicate (MnSiO₃), calcium, iron, magnesium

Where Found

Ural Mountains (Russia), Broken Hill (Australia), Sweden, Peru, Massachusetts (USA)

Mohs Hardness

5.5-6.5

Fun Fact

Russia's Hermitage Museum contains massive rhodonite vases and a seven-ton sarcophagus carved from a single block, commissioned by Tsar Alexander II.