“Morning Dawn” is not just a decoration. The gem can become a powerful amulet, even heal diseases. However, in order to take full advantage of the therapeutic and magical properties of the stone, you need to know who is suitable for rhodonite by character, occupation, and zodiac sign. Well, let's find out!
History and origin
The origin of rhodonite is sedimentary. This is the result of transformations of carbonate structures plus the accumulation of manganese compounds.
The term “rhodonite” was coined and put into scientific circulation by mineralogist Christoph Jasche in 1819, describing hitherto unknown minerals discovered in his native Germany.
In Russia, the discovery of the first specimens of Ural stone was documented in 1792. The deposit of high-grade rhodonite in the vicinity of Yekaterinburg was the only one on the planet until the twentieth century.
In addition to the scientific name, the mineral has been given other names:
- pink stone;
- eagle;
- dawn stone.
Some of them designate a specific type of stone or are accepted only in one area.
Historical reference
Rhodonite on a 1963 USSR postage stamp from the “Ural Gems” series
Rhodonite is a stone that forms in carbonate deposits. In order for scarlet crystals to form, the presence of manganese compounds is required. The mineral received its modern name in 1819. The German mineralogist Christoph Friedrich Jasche named gems that were discovered in Germany, in the Harz Mountains, after the rose.
Despite Hartz's undoubted merits, he was not the discoverer of the stone. In Russia, in the Urals, specimens of the gem were discovered back in the nineties of the 18th century. The first deposit of pink spar - this is the ancient name for rhodonite - was the village of Maloye Sedelnikovo near Yekaterinburg. Throughout the nineteenth century, the Ural mines were the only source of high-quality gems in the world.
The mineral quickly gained popularity. It is not inferior in beauty to a ruby, but is much cheaper. Not only jewelry was made from it, but also boxes, figurines, and paperweights. Poets also fell in love with the stone for its soft pink colors, which are similar to the dawn.
physical characteristics
The mineral is dense, fine-grained agglomerates. Classified as manganese silicate.
Main characteristics:
- chemical formula – Mn2+SiO3;
- color range - from the most delicate pink to reddish with brownishness;
- luster – mother-of-pearl, glass;
- transparency – translucent, transparent;
- hardness on the Mohs scale – 5.5–6.5;
- density – 3.55-3.67 g/cm3;
- the fracture is uneven.
| Formula | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg,Ca)SiO3 |
| Molecular mass | 129,13 |
| Impurity | Al |
| Color | Pink, red, brown-red, yellow, black |
| Stroke color | White |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
| Hardness | 5—5,5 |
| Fragility | fragile |
| Cleavage | Perfect by {110} |
| Kink | Uneven |
| Density | 3.5—3.75 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Triclinic |
Color is the main parameter in the description that allows you to identify rhodonite.
The stone is well processed : cutting and subsequent grinding make the surface mirror-polished.
The dark past of the eagle
Most often, the occurrence of rhodonite is confined to manganese and hydrothermal ores.
But geologists are still arguing about the process of formation of the mineral. We never came to a common opinion.
Its origin, or, as geologists say, genesis, is still not fully understood.
Expert opinion
Semenishcheva Polina
Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.
There are two main hypotheses of its origin. One is metamorphogenic, the other is hydrothermal.
But we know that in nature the mineral occurs in the form of dense granular masses. Orlets crystals are extremely rare.
Stone deposits
Mega-reserves of rhodonite were first discovered in the Urals two hundred years ago.
Rhodonite rock
It is mined as an independent mineral or an associated component. Reserves have been found on almost all continents:
- America - all of North America plus Brazil;
- Europe – Sweden, Spain, UK;
- Africa – Madagascar, Tanzania;
- Asia - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, China, Japan, India, Indonesia;
- Australia.
High-quality raw materials are the heritage of Central Asia; the Urals are famous for their large agglomerates. There is a whole “constellation” of rhodonite developments here. In the Russian Federation, stone is also mined in Karachay-Cherkessia, Buryatia, Yakutia, Transbaikalia, Krasnoyarsk, Khabarovsk territories, and Primorye.
The world's main suppliers of the mineral are Madagascar and Australia.
Types and colors of rhodonite
The main color of rhodonite is pink. But it varies in shades, creating different types of mineral.
Rhodonite stones
Colors
The color range of rhodonite is from the color of tea rose to rich raspberry and cherry.
Lilac-violet specimens were found in the Urals. This is cobalt rhodonite.
Varieties
The following types of mineral are accepted:
- Ruby homogeneous . The shade is deep red, without additives or inclusions. The most expensive type, set in gold.
- Translucent. Also a rare, expensive mineral. It is used for gold items, where it is combined with diamonds and other first-level stones. Available to very wealthy people.
- Homogeneous pink spar . The color of the mineral is delicate pink, the additions are insignificant.
- Fowlerite. Instances with an admixture of zinc. It creates yellow-brownish inclusions.
- Tape. Ferrous and manganese compounds form inclusions-strips of black (brown, gray) and bright pink shades.
- Bustamit. Grayish-pink background with a dark or black tree-like pattern.
- Dendrite. Similar to bustamite, but the background is pink and the image inclusions are red or black. They resemble twigs or moss.
- Mourning. The black color palette dominates. Goes for funeral paraphernalia. The Russian version of the name is mourning eagle.
- Cobalt. Lilac and violet stone.
- Spotted. Multi-colored spotting on the surface: gray, brownish, ocher, ripe raspberry or tea rose colored segments. The cheapest variety.
The most valuable rhodonites are carmine-scarlet.
Always different
Rhodonite rock is heterogeneous: there may be areas of different colors nearby. In this regard, the following rhodonites are distinguished:
- Bustamite is a pinkish or gray stone with black veins (branching formations of manganese oxides), which can form bizarre landscape patterns.
- Fowlerite is a pink colored stone with yellow or brownish spots and stripes.
- Rhodonite, which has alternating stripes of its inherent colors: black, gray, pink, yellow, brown.
- Translucent clear stone of ruby color.
The value of a rhodonite mineral is determined by its purity (minimum inclusions, spots, veins). So, black veins should occupy a maximum of 1/3 of the stone, spots - 1/10. Ruby rhodonite is the most expensive.
Where is the stone used?
The mission of rhodonite is to decorate life, bring aesthetic pleasure, and delight the eye. The areas of application of the mineral are related to beauty. Depending on its characteristics, it is used as jewelry, ornaments or cladding.
Products with rhodonite
Value scale
For decorators and stone cutters, what matters is how the stone looks. First-grade material should have a maximum of 10% yellow, gray, brown inclusions. Stones are valued if a third of their surface is covered with an intricate pattern.
The object of desire of jewelers is carmine-scarlet, pure, without inclusions or other shades of rhodonite. Beautiful and rare stones are valued, especially translucent bright crimson ones.
Jewelry
The stone is easy to process, so nothing stops the jewelers’ flight of fancy:
- It is used to create a full range of jewelry, from pendants to necklaces.
- Silver jewelry inserts are usually cabochons. This is how the beauty of an ordinary mineral is maximized.
- Translucent examples of the premium segment are awarded a diamond cut. This brings them closer to real diamonds, with which rhodonite is often found next to each other in a necklace, earrings or brooches. The stone is set in high-grade gold or platinum.
Jewelry with rhodonite
The richness of the color palette makes rhodonite suitable for everyone, the main thing is to choose the right stone. Warm-colored stones harmonize with fair skin, while cold-toned stones harmonize with dark or tanned skin.
Arts and crafts
Master stone carvers create figurines, boxes, glasses, large vases, bowls, and other items:
- Thin translucent plates of the mineral become stained glass components, sconces, and chandeliers. The light from the bulbs reveals the pattern of the stone and enhances the depth of color.
- The Mausoleum and elements of the Mayakovskaya metro station in Moscow are decorated with rhodonite.
- The pride of the Hermitage’s rhodonite collection is a vase made of a monolithic block (180x125x88 cm, 2.20 tons).
The largest in the world, the Ural monolith (almost 47 tons), became the sarcophagus of the Romanov family tomb. However, less than seven tons remain from the original.
Price
Rhodonite is classified as a second-order jewelry and semi-precious stone.
The cost of raw materials is affordable, up to 650 rubles. per kg. Prices for collection material (RUB):
- cabochon (8–14 mm) – 390–850;
- tumbling (1.5-5.5 cm) – 330–710.
The price of jewelry is determined equally by the stone and the metal of the frame (thousand rubles):
- beads (diameter 4.5-5 cm) – 0.9-1.3;
- silver ring – 2.3;
- silver pendant – 0.5;
- bracelet – 0.8-2.3.
Bracelet with rhodonite
Decorative items are assessed by size, quality of material and processing. Average prices (thousand rubles):
- box 10x8x7 – 38-41;
- egg (height 6–7 cm) – 6.5–7;
- figurine (height 5–6 cm) – 8.5–9.
They are available through stores (regular and online).
How to care for rhodonite
The mineral is not particularly hard, so you need to take care of products with rhodonite delicately:
- The stone easily fades in the sun or in water (especially sea or salt). Therefore, jewelry is not worn on long summer walks, on the beach or in the pool, sauna, shower. Not used for baths.
- Do not clean stones in hot water, with a hard brush or active substances. Only a soft cloth or brush, soap solution or just water at room temperature.
- Rhodonite jewelry can be cleaned ultrasonically (in an ultrasonic washing machine).
Pendant with rhodonite
The stone actively absorbs energy, including negative energy. Therefore, jewelry is removed from time to time, and the stones are washed under running water.
Areas of application
A wonderful ornamental and jewelry stone.
- They made boxes, glasses, ashtrays, candelabra and candlesticks, and inkwells from it.
- The best rhodonite was used for jewelry: earrings, rings, beads, brooches.
- Low quality rhodonite is used for decorative work - countertops, floor tiles, fireplace linings.
Expert opinion
Semenishcheva Polina
Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.
Important : do not use these stones in the bath. They are not friendly with a lot of water...
How to recognize a fake
Rhodonite is inexpensive, but fakes do happen. Almost always they offer plastic or pink glass instead of stone.
To distinguish a fake, the sample is carefully examined, assessing the following parameters:
- Coloring. This is what primarily distinguishes rhodonite from imitations. In stone it is heterogeneous, with chaotic patterns and interspersed with other colors and shades. This is difficult to achieve on plastic or glass; the patterns are ordered or absent altogether.
- Massiveness. Even small real stone is not lightweight like plastic. Glass has average values, but it is also lighter.
- Thermal conductivity. Hold the sample in your hands. Not too cold, heated up quickly - that means it's plastic or glass. Natural rhodonite is cold and does not immediately become warm in your hands.
The surface must be scratch-free: this is plastic.
Recommended care
Given the fragility of the stone, its care must be careful. There are several rules:
- You should not leave it on open surfaces so that the sun's rays do not cause the color to fade.
- For cleaning, it is better to use soft flannel cloths and a mild soap solution. Aggressive chemicals can destroy the structure of the amulet.
- Maximum cleaning of rhodonite occurs using ultrasonic cleaning.
- Every week, cleanse the eagle of negative energy and give your body a break from it.
Therapeutic effect
Several areas of application of the healing properties of the mineral have been identified:
- Neuropathology. The color of the stone itself calms the nerves, calms the boiling passions, and puts you in a romantic mood. Rhodonite balls are suitable for massage or meditation for those who sleep poorly or are nervous.
- Pregnancy. The stone is revered by gynecologists and women who want to become mothers. The first talisman helps to make a more accurate diagnosis. It makes it easier for pregnant women to bear and give birth to a healthy baby. The mineral helps those who desire it to become pregnant. A bracelet on the main hand, a necklace or beads are suitable for them.
- Vision. Pebbles are placed on the eyelids (eyes closed). In this way, vision is strengthened, eye fatigue is relieved after hard work, and problems are prevented.
- Thyroid . To treat it, short rhodonite beads are worn.
- Cardiovascular diseases . Cured or inhibited by wearing beads of medium length.
To boost your immune system, place a pink pebble in your pocket or purse. To enhance the effect, medicinal gems are placed closer to the body.
A brooch or ring with rhodonite is worn to improve brain activity, strengthen memory, and heal the liver.
Magical properties of the mineral
The stone is patronized by Saturn and Venus. Their energy determines the properties of the rhodonite stone. His power is gentle but sure. The owner of the jewelry realizes: life is great, no matter what.
Ring with rhodonite
Overall Impact
The magical properties of the stone are time-tested:
- A person who owns a stone will activate dormant talents and find his life’s work. Any rhodonite jewelry is useful for a woman; a ring is recommended for men; a keychain or pendant is recommended for children.
- In the East, rhodonite is a stone that awakens love. For Europeans, this is a guarantee of the owner’s popularity.
- Rhodonite with dark veins is suitable for protecting a home from the elements or robberies.
- The gem meekly absorbs the owner's negative energy: irritation, anxiety, fatigue. In return, it gives positivity, nourishing the person.
- A lonely pebble will find its mate.
- Any rhodonite artifact, from a bead to a box or other little thing, is suitable as a “magnet” of material wealth.
- According to legend, in the Urals the first stone was found in an eagle's nest. Since then, he has been called the “ eagle ” and is revered as a children's amulet. The mineral above the cradle will make the baby an “eagle”, then an “eagle”: self-sufficient, freedom-loving.
It has been established that the “eagle” variety is the strongest energetically. Therefore, the stone is held in high esteem by adherents of magic, yoga, and other similar fields.
Compatibility with other stones
The energetic compatibility of rhodonite with other stones is used to achieve specific goals:
- Rhodonite plus tiger eye is an option for careerists in any field;
- Rhodonite plus turquoise is a salvation for those who like to quarrel: the stone duet will quickly reconcile everyone;
- rhodonite plus ruby or sapphire - will establish contact with management or audience; especially useful for timid people;
- Rhodonite plus jade - prosperity and cash flow will be abundant.
Those who want to get rich also wear a pair - carnelian and rhodonite. These stones reinforce each other.
Talismans and amulets
A talisman or amulet can be a pebble, jewelry or other mineral product:
- A keychain with a pebble will relieve laziness and inspire you to do great things.
- The bracelet will raise self-esteem and awaken inspiration. Attribute of public figures. It must be worn on the left hand.
- Small plastic, another beautiful thing - a guarantor of home peace. Rhodonite does not tolerate brawlers, intriguers, or envious people. A useful gift for newlyweds.
- Rhodonite in a pocket or ring is a talisman for fans of gambling and risky people.
A pink stone can restore hope even to a person who has lost faith in everything and everyone.
To recharge rhodonite, one meditates on it. At the same time, the owner calms down.
Favorable time to buy
There are a number of minerals and stones that have a certain time for rest, recharging or highest activity. Based on this data, the best time to purchase or present products made from these stones is selected. However, it is rhodonite that has neither recommendations nor prohibitions regarding the favorable period for its purchase. Any time or one that the buyer chooses intuitively is suitable here.
Rhodonite and Zodiac
Astrologers claim that according to the horoscope, the pink stone is not contraindicated for anyone, since it emits only positive, soft energy.
Table of compatibility of rhodonite with zodiac signs (“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated).
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | — |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | +++ |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | +++ |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | — |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
Rhodonite is especially suitable for the sign of Gemini and Libra:
- Gemini will become intuitive, strengthen their intellect, and discover new facets of their own personality. They would like to find spotted rhodonite.
- Gives Libra self-confidence before starting a project and assertiveness to complete it. They will love and value themselves more. Precious ruby rhodonite will help men gain success with their fair half.
Other zodiac signs will simply feel calmer and more optimistic.
