Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite from Colorado
 

Scientific:
Rhodochrosite is a mineral of the calcite series, its name being derived from the Greek words rhodos, meaning rose and khros meaning color. Another name for rhodochrosite is raspberry spar or manganese spar. Rhodochrosite is a very attractive mineral with an absolutely one of a kind, beautiful color. Although it can be an ore of manganese, it is it's ornamental and display specimen qualities that make it a very popular mineral. The color of a single crystal can just astound the observer with its vivid pink-rose color that seems to be transmitted out of the crystal as if lit from within. Transparent crystals are very rare. The aggregates are light to dark stripes with zigzag bands. Raspberry red and pink are the most common colors, but it can also be faded pink to slightly orange. Chemical alteration can turn it blackish or dull brown. 

Individual crystals are found in well-shaped rhombohedrons (like calcite) and more rarely scalahedrons. In a massive form its pink and white bands are extremely attractive and are often used in semi-precious jewelry. Rhodochrosite is often carved into figurines and tubular stalactitic forms are sliced into circles with concentric bands that are truly unique in the mineral kingdom. Fine crystals are sometimes cut into gemstones, but rhodochrosite's softness and brittleness limit it as a gemstone for everyday use.

Some specimens are transparent but they are very rare and extremely expensive. Most deposits take the form of great lumps (massive aggregates), tiny grains or compacted layers. Rhodochrosite forms in veins of copper, lead and silver which have been altered by hot water (hydro thermals), and as a secondary deposit in sedimentary layers of manganese oxide.

Identification of rhodochrosite is fairly easy despite a few similarly colored minerals such as rhodonite. (Rhodonite is harder and has different cleavage; but perhaps the best distinguishing factor is its lack of reaction to acids.) Rhodochrosite will easily show some reaction to cold acids that demonstrates its carbonate chemistry. Basically, any rose-pink carbonate is considered rhodochrosite; however some calcites with a small amount of manganese impurities can be pink in color. Differentiating pink calcite from rhodochrosite may require a fluorescence test as rhodochrosite is distinctly non-fluorescent and manganese is a fluorescent activator in calcite.

The Denver Museum of Natural History now boasts a new rhodochrosite crystal specimen, the world's largest, from the Sweet Home Mine in Park County, Colorado. (See press release and photo below.) The 30 million year old crystal was discovered in August of 1992 in a blasted crevice 400 feet beneath Mount Boss. And its discovery occurred in front of video cameras from the museum that just happened to be there filming a mining operation! The videotape runs continuously as part of the museum's display of this specimen. If in Denver, don't miss it!

Chemical Composition: MnCo3 manganese carbonate
Hardness: 4 

History:
Rhodochrosite was once known as Inca-rose because of the original source:

In the pre-Colombian XIII Century what is now the Northern part of Argentina was part of the Inca Empire or Tahuantinsuyo. The mines in the region yielded silver and copper. During the rule of Inca Ripac (also called Viracocha), the beautiful red stone was discovered. When the Inca Empire started its downfall and the Incas retired, the mine was abandoned.

In 1938 a German-born gentleman called Franz Mansfeld rediscovered the mine, in the process he also unearthed an Inca tomb, holding funerary jewelry inside it. This is how rhodochrosite was popularly re-baptized to Inca Rose or Rosinca.

Still nowadays the Indians of the Andes believe that the blood of their ancient rulers had turned to stone there. A scientific hypothesis is that during the seven hundred years of inactivity, massive stalactitic growths had formed in the old workings, giving birth to the Ortiz quality, greatly appreciated by expert gemologists.

Metaphysical:
Rhodochrosite unites and balances male and female energy both within and without. It attracts the "perfect" love to the user with the intention to learn how to love. Inspires healthy love of the self and of the Earth.