Rhodochrosite
Image: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameRhodochrosite
Chemical FormulaMnCO3
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral on {1011}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.45
Colorspink, red, rose-red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityPeru
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, fluorite, pyrite, tetrahedrite, manganese oxides
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a cluster of well-formed, translucent, salmon-pink to rose-red rhodochrosite crystals with a vitreous luster, set on a dark, granular matrix.
Geological Context
Rhodochrosite typically forms in hydrothermal veins associated with silver, lead, and copper deposits, often in low-temperature environments. It can also occur in metamorphic rocks and as a primary mineral in some manganese deposits.
