Astrological Signs: Scorpio and Leo
Rhodochrosite became the official state mineral for Colorado in 2002 after the Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colorado made the proposal based on the fact that the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado produces the highly prized and rare red crystals which are found only in a few places on earth.
The name Rhodochrosite comes from the Greek "rhodon" for rose, and "chros" for color. Rhodochrosite is commonly found in the form of stalactites and stalagmites in the caves of Argentina. It is often formed in pink and white bands. It is often carved into figurines or boxes while the tubular stalactite formations are often sliced for use in jewelry. Fine gem quality crystals are sometimes cut into gemstones for use in high end jewelry, but the more common grade is used extensively in silver and gold jewelry. The pink color of rhodochrosite is caused by the element manganese and it is formed when manganese is dissolved by ground water and combines with a carbonate material and then drips off the ceiling of caves and crevices deep underground. It is found in Argentina, Peru, Colorado and Montana, U.S, and Quebec, Canada. Also found in Peru, Romania, Poland, Newfoundland, United States.
Rhodonite, another pinkish stone, is often confused with rhodochrosite because the base color is similar, but most rhodonite used for jewelry purposes contains black manganese oxides while rhodochrosite is banded with white.
Metaphysical:
Stone of love and balance. Assists in expanding consciousness, and healing Mother Earth. Balances emotions and male/female energies. This is a stone of love, peace and harmony. May be used to attract love and harmonious relationships. May be worn or carried, or even placed in the tub for a soothing bath. A stone of unconditional love and compassion, it helps open the heart with gentle awareness of all that is needed for healing and growth. Also helps remind us to love and care for Earth.
Chakras: Root, Sacral and Heart
Composition: Manganese carbonate; often contains calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Color: pink, rose, red, white, yellowish grey, brown.
Class: carbonates
Cleavage: perfect
Specific gravity: 3.5-3.7
Luster: sub-vitreous, pearly
Breakage: brittle
Habit: botryoidal
Transparency: transparent, translucent
Fracture: irregular/uneven,conchoidal
Crystal System: trigonal
Mohs-Scale Hardness: 3.5 - 4
Stone of love and balance. Assists in expanding consciousness, and healing Mother Earth. Balances emotions and male/female energies. This is a stone of love, peace and harmony. May be used to attract love and harmonious relationships. May be worn or carried, or even placed in the tub for a soothing bath. A stone of unconditional love and compassion, it helps open the heart with gentle awareness of all that is needed for healing and growth. Also helps remind us to love and care for Earth.
Chakras: Root, Sacral and Heart
Composition: Manganese carbonate; often contains calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Color: pink, rose, red, white, yellowish grey, brown.
Class: carbonates
Cleavage: perfect
Specific gravity: 3.5-3.7
Luster: sub-vitreous, pearly
Breakage: brittle
Habit: botryoidal
Transparency: transparent, translucent
Fracture: irregular/uneven,conchoidal
Crystal System: trigonal
Mohs-Scale Hardness: 3.5 - 4