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Rhodochrosite
Chip Clark
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Rhodochrosite | NMNH R16834 | United States, Colorado |
Rhodochrosite is a minor ore of manganese. Manganese gives rhodochrosite its red color. It is commonly a rose-red color but can vary in shades of pink to light brown. Crystals of this intensity and quality are popular with collectors and can make attractive gemstones, but they must be handled carefully as rhodochrosite is a relatively soft mineral. It can also form as stalactites, and when cut, display concentric bands of rose-colored layers. This material is often used as an ornamental stone as well as for carvings and jewelry.