RHODOCHROSITE

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with a chemical formula of MnCO3. It belongs to the trigonal crystal system and has a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4. In its purest form, it occurs as well-terminated rhombohedral or scalenohedral crystals that display a vibrant rose-red color; whereas, more common and impure specimens tend to vary between shades of pink to pale brown; additionally, it is sometimes found as finely banded stalactitic, stalagmitic, or botryoidal habits within certain cave and mining systems, specifically within the mining region of Capillitas, Argentina. The very best rhodochrosite specimens to have ever been discovered were found at the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, USA, as well as the famed scalenohedral specimens rarely found at the N'Chwaning Mines in South Africa. Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral, along with other manganese minerals, within low temperature ore deposits. It is most commonly found in association with silver deposits and is considered an extremely destructive impurity to the blending process of the metal.

RHODOCHROSITE HISTORY AND MINING

It has been said that the mineral now referred to as rhodochrosite was originally discovered during the 13th century pre-Columbian era of Argentina. There, the Inca peoples were known to have collected the stalactitic and stalagmitic masses that were found within local cave and mining systems. The mineral was nicknamed “Inca Rose”, and the local people believed that it was the fossilized blood of early Kings and Queens of the Incan Empire. After its extraction, it was most prominently used as a primitive pink or red pigment within local art and sculpture. At the fall of the Incan Empire, the rhodochrosite mines were abandoned and the mineral had largely been forgotten. Upon its re-discovery within the silver mines of Romania in the early 1800’s, the rhodochrosite name was officially designated by famed German mineralogist Johann Friedrich Ludwig Hausmann. The name itself is derived from the Greek words ‘rodos’ and ‘khros’, which when combined is translated as “rose-colored”. Later, in the year 1873, the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, USA, was first developed for its extraction of silver ore, but the mine quickly became known for its strikingly beautiful, cherry-red rhodochrosite crystals, which have since been globally acknowledged as the world’s finest. The mine was intermittently worked for its silver content before it officially closed in 1967, but not before discovering one of the world’s finest rhodochrosite specimens, named “the Alma Queen”, in 1965. However, in the year 1991, a company called Collector’s Edge Minerals Inc. entered into a leasing agreement to operate and specifically mine for the prized rhodochrosite crystals that had once been discovered there. This opportunity would lead to the unprecedented discovery of the world’s finest rhodochrosite specimen, dubbed the “Alma King”, as well as many other world-class samples. The famed Alma King is on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. It is a deep, cherry-red rhombohedral crystal that is roughly the size of a football and was formed on a bed of lustrous, needle-like crystals of quartz. Today, rhodochrosite is primarily used as an ore of manganese, which is a key component of low-cost stainless-steel formulations, including a use within many steel tools, as well as certain aluminum alloys.

RHODOCHROSITE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, rhodochrosite is considered a powerful crystal of the Heart and Root Chakras. It is said that this mineral offers emotional release from traumas and unhealthy relationships, while replacing these afflictions with positive energy that is most consistent with personal joy, compassion, and friendship. Rhodochrosite is also considered a powerful healer of the broken heart, and can be used as a terrific companion crystal for finding one’s self in the midst of emotional instability and Love-Life turmoil. Physically, rhodochrosite is said to have a positive impact on the respiratory system, circulatory system, sexual organs, and prostate. It is also said to aid the body by helping to free the mind of stress, fatigue, and irrational fears.