On the lands of what is now Argentina, a long time ago the Inca tribes mined silver. Then the conquistadors came, the Incas stopped mining (why work for strangers), the mines were abandoned and forgotten by people. But nature has not forgotten about them. For centuries, the karst process took place in mines and caves.
In the last century, caves were discovered and stalactites were discovered there. The most common thing. But in ordinary caves, stalactites consist mainly of calcium. In the province of Catamarca, groundwater is oversaturated with manganese. And stalactites were formed from manganese carbonate. When cut, the seemingly ordinary, brown, grayish formations were striking with a pink center and amazing white patterns.
History of the gem
The history of the mineral is connected with the Aztecs, the indigenous people of the American continent. It is not for nothing that one of the names of the mineral is “Inca rose”. The Indians believed that the crystals were the petrified blood of their rulers.
The ancient Greeks came up with a romantic legend of the origin of the gem. A hermit magician fell in love with a beautiful girl, they began to live together in a cave. But the beauty yearned for living trees and flowers. Then the sorcerer “decorated” the walls of the cave with pink stone flowers. These were rhodochrosites.
Variegated mix
Some images of rhodochrosite are highly valued by collectors.
The most beautiful (and expensive) specimens are mined in South America.
In addition to its official name, rhodochrosite is also sometimes poetically called the dawn stone.
Esotericists say that a figurine made of rhodochrosite “lures” cash flows into the house.
In Ulaanbaatar (the capital of Mongolia), one of the Wedding Palaces is decorated with rhodochrosite. After all, according to Mongolian beliefs, this gem symbolizes love.
Collectors can pay a price in gold for a collectible specimen that corresponds to the weight of the specimen. After all, it is simply impossible to take your eyes off the delightful stone roses.
The Incas believed that rhodochrosite represented the blood of their ancient rulers, who were once turned to stone.
Do you want to get full magical support from a gem? Wear the jewelry every day for at least six months. Then your energy will resonate with the energy of the stone.
Place of Birth
The largest deposits of jewelry stone on the planet were discovered in Argentina. Since the last century, the country has remained a leader in production volumes.
Deposits of rhodochrosite are scattered throughout the planet, and each stone has its own color:
- the white-pink mineral is mined in the USA, it is a stone from the state of Colorado;
- red – Peru, South Africa, USA;
- cherry – Mongolia;
- greenish, similar to malachite – Afghanistan, Europe (Germany, Romania, Balkans);
- colors of ripe raspberries – Kazakhstan, Balkans, Russia.
Rare transparent rhodochrosite is mined on an industrial scale in South Africa.
The highlands of Argentina are famous for caves with agglomerates up to half a meter wide. The local Capillitas mine is the only place on Earth where there are capillites, a variety of rhodochrosite with dark brown stripes.
Russia is the leader in the extraction of raw materials for industrial purposes.
Production
Argentina is still the leading supplier of rhodochrosite to the jewelry market.
Global production is carried out in the following countries:
- Germany;
- France;
- Romania;
- Canada;
- Mongolia;
- Mexico.
Russia has deposits of rhodochrysolite in Transbaikalia. There is this ore-forming mineral in Crimea.
The gem originates from metasomatic, sedimentary deposits.
Rhodochrosite from Colorado, USA
It is found in hydrothermal veins and in the weathering crust.
Interesting: jewelry samples with good transparency and rich color are often of hydrothermal origin.
Physico-chemical characteristics
To the mineralogist, rhodochrosite is manganese carbonate, an ore-forming mineral.
The description of a mineral always includes a color characteristic. The color scheme depends on the concentration of manganese and other elements.
Formula | MnCO3 |
Color | Pink, red, yellowish gray, brown |
Stroke color | White |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Translucent |
Hardness | 3,5 — 4 |
Cleavage | Perfect by {1011} |
Density | 3.69 g/cm³ |
singonia | Trigonal |
The dominance of manganese lightens the color of the stone, while iron makes it more intense.
Rhodonite and rhodochrosite
These two minerals are often confused. They are similar in composition and physical properties, but visually rhodochrosite differs from rhodonite.
Rhodonite rock
Appearance of rhodonite: dark veins and streaks and a structure reminiscent of ribbon jasper. Rhodochrosite has light veins and a structure similar to malachite.
Rhodochrosite Crystal
Origin
Rhodochrosite occasionally occurs in crystals up to 20 cm in size, but usually in massive granular aggregates, often with light stripes. Massive parallel-fibrous varieties are known. Rhodochrosite is found in the form of stalactites and kidney-shaped aggregates of the “glass head” type.
Alma King is the largest known crystal of rhodochrosite; it was found in the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado. It is on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Rhodochrosite is often found mixed with rhodonite (lacroisite, torrensite).
Scientists believe that the mineral is formed:
- In manganese ores under changes in pressure and temperature.
- During the weathering of iron-manganese ores.
- In deposits of non-ferrous metals (copper, silver, zinc).
Areas of application of stone
The properties of rhodochrosite are in demand in serious industries and the beauty industry.
Jewelry
The main area of application of the stone. According to the jewelry classification, rhodochrosite is a semi-precious stone. A full range of jewelry is made from it. Almost always these are cabochons or beads, since cutting a gem is problematic.
Rhodochrosite is best combined with malachite and turquoise in jewelry.
This color combination expands the compatibility of products with the wardrobe and allows you to create a joyful mood.
Jewelry with Rhodochrosite
A wide range of stones - from the color of tea rose to bright pink - makes it possible to choose an option for a lady of any age.
Decor
The randomness of the surface pattern and the ease of processing allow stone cutters to create things for every taste. Aerobatics is to correlate the pattern of the stone surface with the type of product.
Industry
The chemical industry and metallurgy use ponyte and ferrorhodochrosite. These varieties of rhodochrosite with a predominance of iron serve as a source in the production of manganese and as an additive in the process of smelting cast iron, steel, and ferromanganese.
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.
How to care for stone
The hardness of rhodochrosite is below average, it is fragile, and therefore deserves a reverent attitude:
- Dirt is removed with a cloth soaked in soapy water after each use of the jewelry or stone. Its structure is such that dirt is absorbed and difficult to remove later.
- Wipe the washed stone immediately: prolonged contact with water will destroy it.
- Jewelry should not be worn in the hot sun: the mineral will fade or fade.
- Jewelry is removed before starting homework.
- For a product made of natural stone, a separate durable box or box is allocated.
The gem is cleansed of “dirty” energy by burying the jewelry in the ground for two/three days or hanging it on a tree. You can rinse the stone well with running water.
How to identify a fake
They offer plastic under the guise of a gem. You can distinguish natural rhodochrosite from a fake, taking into account the characteristics of the original:
- The color of natural stone is calm even in intensely pink specimens. A flashy color scheme is inherent in a fake.
- The painted imitation is identified by rubbing it with a cotton swab moistened with acetone. A trace of paint will remain on the fleece.
- Paint accumulations may be visible on a fake.
- The surface of the stone is distinguished by a chaotic pattern with veins - it is impossible to reproduce it on a fake.
- If you bring a lighter to the sample, the stone will not be damaged. The plastic will begin to melt.
Finally, the classic method for minerals is to hold the sample in your hands. Heated up quickly, which means it's fake.
Price
Russian online stores offer the following range of products (cost, rub.):
- bracelet, bead diameter 8 mm – 980;
- ring (silver) – 3,450;
- ball, 30 mm – 4,300;
- cabochon, 10 mm – 470;
- polishing, 47x37x20 mm – 7,800.
Earrings with Rhodochrosite
Almost all the material originates from Argentina.
Magic properties
The main esoteric characteristic of rhodochrosite is a planetary symbol of love in all its manifestations.
Overall Impact
The pink talisman has the following magical properties:
- Able to attract attention to the owner, adding charisma to him.
- Relieves insecurity, outbursts of aggression, and jealousy.
- Gives calmness and confidence during casting, negotiations, interviews, testing.
- Helps to get rid of old grievances, forgive enemies and start life with a clean slate and a light soul.
- It makes a lady touchingly defenseless, so on a date it is better to wear some jewelry with a pink crystal.
- Establishes telepathic communication with relatives.
Rhodochrosite has a special meaning for a person who is tormented by doubts or uncertainty.
Talismans
A pebble or rhodochrosite decoration is suitable as a talisman.
Ring with Rhodochrosite
You just need to understand the meaning of the stone and use it correctly:
- If the goal is love, romance, motherhood, Feng Shui advises to allocate the southwestern segment of the house or room to the talisman.
Any product made from rhodochrosite or an unprocessed mineral is a reliable home amulet against external negativity. An animal figurine or a vase in a prominent place attracts money.
- A brooch or earrings with a large stone will reflect negativity, a ring will calm aggression. The bracelet is worn when wanting to find a soul mate or gain respectability.
- To ensure that the energy does not weaken, the talisman is cleaned monthly with running water. If there is a suspicion of vampirism, other targeted negativity, cleanse immediately upon arriving home.
The owner of the rhodochrosite talisman will reveal himself slowly, but will force even inveterate opponents to respect himself.
However, it will be necessary to conduct an audit of life priorities, especially highlighting the negative qualities of character and soul. They will have to be abandoned. If this is not included in the plans, the use of rhodochrosite is excluded.
To get used to a pebble, you need to stay with it for at least six months, 8–9 hours a day.
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.
Therapeutic effect
The healing power of rhodochrosite has been proven by healers and lithotherapists. Even official medicine does not deny them, linking them with the presence of manganese in the mineral. It ensures bone growth, body restoration, and absorption of nutrients.
What does the mineral treat?
The healing stone helps with the following problems:
- depression, other nervous disorders;
- anemic;
- psoriasis, eczema;
- slagging of the blood and the body as a whole;
- hypertension;
- joint diseases;
- visual impairment.
Rhodochrosite is especially suitable for anyone who sits at a computer for hours or strains their eyes.
The stone helps to recover faster after aggressive interventions (surgery, chemotherapy).
Rhodochrosite is considered a lady's stone not only because of its delicate colors. Its medicinal properties help eliminate hormonal imbalances, especially during menopause. The stone cures amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
Treatment options
Each type of disease has its own methods of healing with the mineral:
- You can improve your vision and neutralize depression by contemplating a pebble every day for at least 5–10 minutes.
- Problems of the skin and joints are solved by massage with heated balls or application of rhodochrosite plates to the affected areas. A heated pebble at the base of the skull helps with asthma, breathing problems, and migraines.
- Suspension on the chest improves heart function and strengthens blood vessels. It or the bracelet on the left hand normalizes the pressure.
- A pebble under the pillow relieves nightmares and restless sleep.
Massage with rhodochrosite balls smooths out wrinkles, making the skin elastic and radiant.