Rhodochrosite
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)
Mineral NameRhodochrosite
Chemical FormulaMnCO3
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral {1011}
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.45
Colorspink, red, white
Transparencytranslucent to opaque
Type LocalityCapillitas Mine, Andalgalá, Catamarca, Argentina
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, collector, manganese ore
Associated Mineralsquartz, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, fluorite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen is a polished slice of botryoidal rhodochrosite, displaying concentric bands of vibrant pink and red with lighter pink to white layers, forming intricate circular patterns within a larger mass.
Geological Context
Rhodochrosite typically forms in hydrothermal veins associated with silver, lead, and copper deposits, or as a primary mineral in some metamorphic and sedimentary environments. Its botryoidal habit often indicates formation in open spaces from circulating mineral-rich solutions.
