Rhodochrosite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameRhodochrosite
Chemical FormulaMnCO3
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral on {1011}
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.45
Colorspink, rose-red, red, brownish-red, yellowish-gray, white
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityOppu mine, Nishimeya-mura, Naka-Tsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture, Tohoku, Japan
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector, minor manganese ore
Associated Mineralsquartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features vibrant pink to rose-red rhodochrosite displaying a botryoidal habit, characterized by its rounded, grape-like formations. It is associated with clear to milky quartz crystals.
Geological Context
Rhodochrosite typically forms in hydrothermal veins associated with silver, lead, and copper deposits, and can also be found in metamorphic and sedimentary environments, often in low-temperature conditions.
