Rhodochrosite is an ore-forming mineral of predominantly crimson color. The bright and lasting shade of the stone is given by the divalent manganese present in it. With a high concentration of calcium, the mineral becomes pale pink, and if it contains iron impurities, it becomes yellowish-brown. In collecting circles, rhodochrosite is considered one of the most expensive gems. Some of its pieces on the jewelry market can be valued at more than gold.
Story. Origin
The name “rhodochrosite” is translated from ancient Greek as “rose color”, since its most valuable specimens are colored pink and red.
There are also other names for this mineral:
- crimson spar;
- manganese spar.
It is also called the “Inca Rose”. According to Indian belief, rhodochrosite is the petrified blood of rulers. In Asia, this stone is considered a messenger from heaven.
The ancient Greeks had a romantic legend about the origin of rhodochrosite. The sorcerer lived as a hermit in a cave. One day he fell in love with a beautiful girl, and she fell in love with him. They began to live in a cave, but soon the beauty began to yearn for flowers and trees. Then her beloved decorated the walls of the cave with pink stone flowers.
In fact, the formation of this stone occurs in the following cases:
- under the influence of temperature and pressure, a structural change occurs in manganese ores of sedimentary origin;
- during weathering of iron manganese deposits;
- in deposits of copper, zinc, lead, and silver that form under the influence of different temperatures.
These options for the origin of rhodochrosite are indicated in the first description of the stone, made in 1813 .
Difference between rhodonite and rhodochrosite
Many people often confuse these two stones. They are similar in composition and properties, but rhodochrosite does not look like rhodonite in appearance. Externally, rhodonite can be described as follows: dark lightning-like veins throughout the stone and a structure reminiscent of ribbon jasper. In rhodochrosite, on the contrary, the patterns are light, the structure is similar to malachite.
Physicochemical characteristics
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate that is an ore-forming mineral.
The color of the stone depends on the concentration of manganese and other elements. For example, the dominance of manganese makes the color lighter, while iron contributes to a more intense color.
- Chemical formula - MnCO3 .
- Impurities - Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, Co, Cd .
- Color - pink, red, brown, yellowish-gray.
- The shine is glassy.
- Transparency: semi-transparent.
- Hardness - 3,5–4.
- Density - 3.69 g / cm3 .
Rhodochrosite is characterized by perfect cleavage, because of which the mineral, when split by an impact, disintegrates into mini-crystals. Because of this property, jewelry processing of the mineral is difficult.
Storage and care
Due to the property of the stone to attract negative energy from the surrounding world, it must be cleaned regularly. If the mineral is not very externally contaminated, then it will be enough to rinse it under warm running water.
For more complex stains, you can soak it in a solution of water and simple laundry soap. After the rhodochrosite has been in it for half an hour, it should be rinsed in water and wiped with a dry cloth. You can also use vinegar to clean the stone. This method helps to remove the most severe dirt that appears on it while wearing jewelry or a talisman.
Place of Birth
The largest deposits of rhodochrosite are located in Argentina. This country is the leader in production volumes.
In the Argentine highlands there are caves with mineral agglomerates up to half a meter wide.
The leader in production for industrial purposes is Russia.
There are deposits of rhodochrosite in different places on the planet:
- the red mineral is mined in South Africa, Peru, USA;
- white and pink - in Colorado (USA);
- the colors of ripe raspberries - in the Balkans, Kazakhstan, Russia;
- cherry blossom - in Mongolia;
- greenish, similar to malachite - in the Balkans, Romania, Germany, Afghanistan;
- rare transparent samples - in South Africa.
Application
The properties of rhodochrosite make it popular in various fields.
Jewelry
This is the main area of application of the mineral, despite the complexity of its jewelry processing. Rhodochrosite is a semi-precious stone. Jewelers use it to make a full range of jewelry. Since the gem is difficult to cut, it is processed in the form of cabochons and beads.
Decor
The low hardness of the stone allows stone cutters to create various things: boxes, eggs, balls, animal figurines.
The intricate patterns of the stone make products made from it comparable in beauty to malachite, but at the same time they have their own range of colors.
Industry
The metallurgy and chemical industries use two varieties of rhodochrosite: ferrorhodochrosite and ponyte. They serve as an additive in the process of smelting steel, cast iron, ferromanganese and as a source in the production of manganese.
Jewelry with mineral
You can’t buy jewelry made from rare gems everywhere. And their price is high due to difficulties in processing. However, those who can afford such luxury are always satisfied with their purchase.
Jewelry made from this mineral is distinguished by its elegance, delicacy and textured design, even if in a polished form. The treated surface of rhodochrosite resembles the structure of wood, representing a combination of intricately curved lines and closed areas.
Products with stone will be more expensive than those that are mined more valuable. Some of the most expensive samples are mined in Argentina. Not everyone can afford such products:
- the cost of rings with rhodochrosite in a silver and gold-plated frame ranges from 4 to 20 thousand rubles;
- earrings made of mineral cost about 10–15 thousand rubles;
- small beads are estimated at about 13 thousand rubles.
Even Argentine specimens of the breed are of great value. The price for them can reach about several tens of thousands of rubles.
Medicinal properties
The use of a mineral for treatment should not preclude following the recommendations of the attending physician.
The healing properties of rhodochrosite are recognized by healers, lithotherapists, and even official medicine does not deny them, linking them with the presence of manganese in the stone. It is believed that manganese promotes bone growth, absorption of nutrients, and restoration of the body.
What does rhodochrosite treat?
This wonderful healing stone helps with the following health problems:
- nervous disorders (depression, etc.);
- hypertension;
- anemic;
- joint diseases;
- slagging of the blood and the whole body;
- visual impairment.
Rhodochrosite is of particular importance for a person who is forced to spend a lot of time at the computer and strain his eyesight.
This mineral helps in recovery after surgery and chemotherapy.
It is not for nothing that Rhodochrosite is considered a feminine stone: women like its delicate color, and, in addition, the healing properties of the mineral help eliminate hormonal imbalances, especially during menopause.
Treatment options
Each type of disease has its own methods of healing with a gem:
- If you contemplate a pebble for at least 5 minutes , you can get rid of depression and improve your vision.
- Problems of the joints and skin will disappear or be significantly reduced if heated stone plates are applied to the affected areas. Massage with heated rhodochrosite balls is also useful.
- For migraines, breathing problems, and asthma, it is useful to apply a heated pebble to the base of the skull.
People prone to high blood pressure should not use heated stones for treatment.
- The work of the heart will be improved by a suspension on the chest. With its help, blood vessels will also be strengthened and blood pressure will be normalized. A bracelet on your left hand also has a positive effect on blood pressure.
- A pebble under your pillow can help with insomnia and restless sleep.
To make the skin elastic and wrinkles smooth out, you can regularly massage with rhodochrosite balls.
To give or not to give?
Despite the fact that the mineral is an expensive ornamental stone, it is not recommended to give it as jewelry. And all the difficulties are due to the special structure and variety of shades, and the advice of astrologers should also be taken into account. But if the lady of the heart prefers jewelry and trinkets made of dialogite, then it is still better to go together for a gift.
Video on the topic: rhodochrosite
If you decide to please someone with an original figurine or vase made of rhodochrosite, then there are no restrictions. Moreover, such a gift will attract prosperity to the recipient.
Magic properties
Rhodochrosite is considered by esotericists to be a symbol of love for life, people, and most importantly, for oneself.
Overall Impact
Rhodochrosite has the following magical properties:
- Gives confidence, relieves jealousy and aggression.
- Adds charm to the owner.
- Helps you forget old grievances, forgive your enemies and start living with a lighter soul.
- It is believed that the gem can establish a telepathic connection with relatives.
- Gives confidence and calm during negotiations, testing, exams, interviews.
Rhodochrosite is of great importance for a person who wants to get rid of uncertainty and doubts.
Talismans, amulets
Jewelry, a figurine made of rhodochrosite, or just a pebble are suitable as a talisman or amulet. A woman can make beads or earrings her talisman, and a man can make a keychain or a figurine of an animal.
For the magic of the stone to manifest itself fully, you need to use it correctly:
- If the goal is love and motherhood, then, according to Feng Shui, it is better to place the talisman in the southwestern segment of the apartment or house.
- If you want to meet your loved one or become more respectable, a rhodochrosite bracelet will help.
- The ring neutralizes aggression.
- Earrings or a brooch with a large stone will reflect negative energy.
In order for the magical properties of rhodochrosite to help, you need to try to correct the negative traits of your character and not set goals that could harm other people.
If you wear the stone 8–9 hours a day for six months , its magic will be more effective.
To maintain the positive energy of rhodochrosite, it needs to be cleaned once a month with running water. If you suspect that a negative influence was directed at you, clean the stone immediately upon arriving home. Keep it under running water for a short time and immediately wipe it well.
Caring for stone products
Jewelry with stones requires care and periodic cleaning. All minerals favorably perceive cleansing, and rhodochrosite is no exception. In addition to physical impurities, cleaning will also remove negative energy concentrated in the stone.
The cleaning procedure must be repeated depending on how often the product is worn. If the stone often touches the body, products made from it must be cleaned several times a week.
Also read: Tengizite is a gem born by nature, but created by man
It is also necessary to clean mineral samples used in massage or therapeutic procedures, as they absorb a lot of dirt, both physical and psychological. It is advisable to cleanse immediately after the procedure.
To store products made from rhodochrosite, like other gems, you need to have your own place. It can be a wooden or wicker box, a bag made of soft dense fabric. The main thing is to minimize the risk of damage to jewelry, since rhodochrosite is very fragile.
Products made from the mineral can be washed under running water (slightly warm or cool) no more than once a week, since its polish tends to fade when exposed to moisture. Water of contrasting temperatures should not be used for cleaning. This will negatively affect the structure of the product.
Jewelry can also be cleaned using exotic methods:
- burying in the ground;
- hanging on plants;
- in Tibetan sound bowls;
- in placers of Rock crystal, Hematite, Shungite.
The cleaning procedure should reflect the owner's attitude towards the stone. The more carefully you take care, the more powerfully he will respond with kindness.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Astrologers have come to the conclusion that rhodochrosite’s energy is compatible with all signs of the zodiac. But most of all, according to the horoscope, it suits Scorpio . for Gemini , Libra , Virgo , Capricorn and Taurus to wear it . All these zodiac signs can use rhodochrosite as a talisman that will attract or strengthen love, give a joyful mood, and inspiration. Besides:
- Scorpio will get rid of torment and self-criticism, and will be able to better understand people and themselves.
- Gemini will find inner harmony, the meaning of their lives, and learn to understand people better.
- Libra will become more confident in themselves, and this will allow them to find happiness, love, and their business will be successful.
- With the help of the rhodochrosite talisman, Virgo
- Capricorn and Taurus , under the influence of this gem, will look at life more optimistically and will be able to open their hearts to express their feelings.
Other zodiac signs will also benefit from wearing rhodochrosite, but Cancer should not wear such jewelry during the waxing Moon. This sign is closely related to the lunar calendar. If during the growth of the night luminary Cancer wears rhodochrosite, the magical properties of the stone can bring him anxiety and nervousness.
Jewelry and products
With proper cutting and processing, the real beauty of rhodochrosite can be shown in all its glory. A high-quality mineral is more expensive than gold, which is due not so much to its rarity as to the complexity of cutting.
After processing, rhodochrosite takes the shape of an octahedron or rectangle, and sometimes there is a round cut option.
The unusual color makes rhodochrosite popular among many women. The following decorations are created using it:
- Wrist bracelets;
- Chains;
- Earrings;
- Beads;
- Wedding rings.
It is also used to create unusual interior items. Rhodochrosite fits well as a decoration element for jewelry boxes, picture frames, and family heirlooms. Animal figures can also be made from it. The rhodochrosite pattern creates an unusual appearance for any item. In terms of its external characteristics, the mineral may well be comparable to malachite.
How to care
Since rhodochrosite is fragile and has below average hardness, it requires careful care:
- After each use, the stone or jewelry must be wiped with a cloth moistened with soapy water and then rinsed (the structure of the mineral is such that dirt is absorbed and is difficult to remove later).
- The washed stone must be immediately wiped dry, since prolonged contact with water is harmful to it.
- Jewelry should not be worn in the hot sun: the gem will fade or tarnish.
- When starting homework, jewelry should be removed.
- It is better to store them in a separate durable box or box.
Useful tips
Roodchrosite is a mineral with complex energy. To get the most out of wearing jewelry, you can use the following tips:
- In order to achieve lasting results, you must wear jewelry with the stone on yourself for a month;
- Pink rhodochrosite is not suitable for constant use; after getting the desired result from the stone, you need to take a break;
- In order for the product to work with maximum efficiency, you need to make it yourself;
- After contact with an ill-wisher and strong negative emotions, you need to cleanse the energy of the stone. To do this, the stone is buried in the ground for a couple of hours or the pendant is hung on a tree branch;
- Do not reveal the mysterious properties of the stone to anyone; if envious people and enemies find out about its amazing properties, the magical power may weaken. Considering that representatives of the occult sciences know a lot about minerals, do not focus their attention on the product;
- If you want to earn the recognition or love of a person, then you can present him with a piece of jewelry with rhodochrosite as a gift.
Rhodochrosite is a fragile, expensive stone, so it must be protected from mechanical damage, cared for, and stored separately from other minerals. Taking good care of the gem will help prolong its life; it will delight its owner for a long time, giving him strength and energy.
How to distinguish from a fake
Fraudsters may offer plastic under the guise of natural stone. In order not to buy a fake, you need to remember the characteristics of rhodochrosite:
- The tones of the natural mineral are calm, even in intense pink samples. Imitations are characterized by a flashy color scheme.
- There may be visible accumulations of paint on a fake.
- Wipe the stone with a cotton swab moistened with acetone. If there is a trace of paint on it, it is a fake.
- A chaotic pattern with veins means that the mineral is natural.
- In your hands, stone, unlike plastic, heats up very slowly.
Imitations, fakes
Transparent crystals are little known to the general public, which is why there are practically no fakes. Banded stones are imitated and counterfeited much more often.
It can be difficult to distinguish natural rhodochrosite from a fake.
The simplest case is fakes made from tinted synthetic resins. Their appearance will tell even a non-specialist that it is not a natural stone. Not glassy sheen, light weight, scratched with a needle or knife.
Rhodochrosite differs from rhodonite in a more complex manner; here you need to know the properties of both minerals. Incarose has a texture reminiscent of malachite. Rhodochrosite has less hardness than rhodonite. In addition, rhodonite is often decorated with a black pattern of manganese oxide.
