Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
trigonaluncommonCarbonates
Rhodochrosite
MnCO3
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.
Rhodochrosite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect rhombohedral on {1011}Fracture
uneven to conchoidalSpecific Gravity
3.45Colors
pink, rose-red, red, brownish-red, yellowish-gray, whiteTransparency
transparent to translucentType Locality
Oppu mine, Nishimeya-mura, Naka-Tsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture, Tohoku, JapanMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
jewelry, ornamental stone, collector, minor manganese oreAssociated Minerals
quartzRarity
uncommonGeological 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.
