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Rhodochrosite
Chip Clark
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Rhodochrosite | NMNH 144191 | South Africa, Cape Province |
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate, typically found associated with manganese ores. It is commonly a rose-red color but can vary in shades of pink to light brown. These brightly colored crystals from the Kalahari manganese fields are popular with collectors, but are typically too soft and fragile to be cut into gems. Rhodochrosite was first discovered in 1813 in the silver mines of present day Romania. Rhodochrosite can 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.