About Rhodonite

Rhodonite is found in small deposits in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Colorado, and New Jersey. It is also found in Russia, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Peru, England, and Sweden. Rhodonite was first discovered in the 1790's in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Rhodonite has been valued as an ornamental stone and was greatly used in Russia, particulary by the Czars, for carving into jewelry, tiles, sculptures, pillars and more. The name Rhodonite comes from the Greek word "rhodon" meaning "rose". It became the national stone of Russian in 1913. In 1979, Rhodonite was made the state gem of Massachusetts.

Chemical Composition: MnSiO3
Mineral Class: Manganese silicate, sometimes with some calcium, iron, and magnesium
Hardness: 5.5 - 6
Color: Rosy pink to pink with black inclusions
Locations: Found: United States, Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Peru, England and Sweden.
Crystal System: Triclinic