Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite: Rhodochrosite cabochons illustrating the banded pink colors that are characteristic of this mineral. The specimen in the upper right is a slice from a stalactite. All stones cut from material mined in Argentina.

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral that ranges in color from light pink to bright red. It is found in a small number of locations worldwide where other manganese minerals are usually present.

Rhodochrosite is sometimes used as an ore of manganese but is rarely found in economic quantities. Specimens with a wonderful pink color are used to produce highly desirable gemstones. Rhodochrosite is rarely found as well-formed crystals, so crystals can be extremely valuable as mineral specimens. this was created by Geology.com where you will find an image of this beautiful rock! {| class="wikitable"
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Physical Properties of Rhodochrosite

 * Chemical Classification
 * Carbonate
 * Color
 * Pink, red, yellow, gray, brown
 * Streak
 * White
 * Luster
 * Vitreous to pearly
 * Diaphaneity
 * Transparent to translucent
 * Cleavage
 * Perfect, rhombohedral, in three directions
 * Mohs Hardness
 * 3.5 to 4
 * Specific Gravity
 * 3.5 to 3.7
 * Diagnostic Properties
 * Pink color, cleavage, hardness, effervescence in cold dilute hydrochloric acid
 * Chemical Composition
 * (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)CO3
 * Crystal System
 * Hexagonal
 * Uses
 * Ore of manganese, gemstone, ornamental stone
 * }
 * Diagnostic Properties
 * Pink color, cleavage, hardness, effervescence in cold dilute hydrochloric acid
 * Chemical Composition
 * (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)CO3
 * Crystal System
 * Hexagonal
 * Uses
 * Ore of manganese, gemstone, ornamental stone
 * }
 * Uses
 * Ore of manganese, gemstone, ornamental stone
 * }