The pinkish-hued mineral with thin, sinuous lines of design will captivate with its charms, awakening lost feelings in the depths of the inner world. The gem, like a pink flower, evokes new or long-forgotten sensations associated with tenderness and sensuality.
The magic of the stone revives charm, a powerful tool in the art of seduction.
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Historical reference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.
What is the price
Rhodonite products amaze with the range of their prices. An ornamental collectible ball weighing about 500 g and with a diameter of 62 mm will cost 3,000 rubles. A one-piece bracelet weighing 83 g and with a diameter of 80 mm costs up to 8,000 rubles. Depending on the shape of the beads, neck jewelry varies from 1000 to 5000 rubles. Earrings cost from 3,000 to 13,000 - this range depends on the size of the jewelry, frame, shape and weight. And the pendants are even worse - you can buy a miniature sample for 200 rubles, or you can buy a large pendant in 925 sterling silver for 13,000 rubles. But a scattering of rhodonite stones for independent crafts will cost 300 rubles.
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.
Prices for rhodonite products
The price for a high quality raw stone with a dendritic pattern is approximately $10 per kg, pink rhodonite is valued at $9 per kg, and other types are approximately $5 per kg.
Jewelry with processed inserts costs much more. For example, beads are estimated at 20-30 dollars, the cost of silver earrings is about 70 dollars.
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.
Jewelry with mineral
Just a couple of centuries ago, the rich decoration of the estate, the amount of precious utensils made of noble metals and stones, were of no small importance for a person of noble origin. They filled the home with gems for beauty, to demonstrate status and wealth.
Also read: Orthoclase – the humble servant of Cupid
Modern jewelry makers and artists also embody their imagination in working with stone. Many excellent works are for sale. To buy a stone for an amulet, magical jewelry or any other purpose, a list is provided that helps you navigate the prices for the gem.
- price for a beautiful transparent pink crystal, weighing 1.37 carats, measuring 12X4.5 mm $150;
- a translucent stone of rich scarlet color, weighing 13.4 carats, costs $800;
- a set of scarlet rhodonite inserts for earrings, weighing a total of 42.64 carats costs $2,500
- a cabochon of pale pink rhodonite, weighing 9.3 grams, costs $10;
- a pale pink stone vase costs $680.
- Rhodonite was widely used as an ornamental material; real works of art were made from unique samples. Vases, bowls, candelabra, figurines and many other luxury items. Some specimens have great historical value and adorn the halls and collections of State Museums.
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).
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 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.
Note
The mineral is used as a “magic” means of protection or cleansing. In addition, the power of the stone gives amazing results in magic. In the hope of attracting love into life, women wear beads, earrings, bracelets or rings with a stone.
It happens that they agree to rituals in order to perform a love spell. Having dared to take such a step, it is important to remember that it is dangerous to influence a person against his will. This leads to unexpected and unpleasant consequences.
It would be appropriate, safe and pleasant to use an amulet with its own positive charge. By believing in yourself, your own strengths and attractiveness, you will be confident that love will come immediately.
5 / 5 ( 3 voices)
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.
Application in jewelry
Among the types of rhodonite there are translucent ones, widely used in jewelry. Masters of their craft prefer diamond cutting to this type of mineral. The dark colors of the stone are framed in silver. Gold is combined with a creamy shade of the sample. Bright, uniform samples are used as cabochons, i.e., inserts into jewelry. Thin plates that have been polished are used to make stained glass windows, boxes and a number of similar household decorative elements. Rhodonite is also used to make souvenirs, figurines, and three-dimensional mosaics.
Processing of rhodonite is carried out without any particular difficulties. The mineral easily withstands stone cutters. Tolerant to heat. Despite its density, it is processed with a diamond tool. Rhodonite is ground with carbocor, i.e., a free abrasive or a diamond tool. Polishing is carried out using an aqueous suspension of chromium oxide on felt or felt.
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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.
Interesting facts about rhodonite
- On the main staircase of the Hermitage there are decorations - rhodonite floor lamps 280 cm high. This museum also houses an oval vase 85 cm high and 185 cm in diameter.
- A monument to the classic of French literature, Henri Barbusse (Paris), was created from rhodonite.
- Rhodonite was used as a finishing material to decorate Moscow metro stations.
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.
Talismans and amulets
Rhodonite symbolizes the beginning of life. Talismans made from it are needed by those who crave recognition and success. It will increase your desire for art, help you discover and apply talents and abilities, overcome laziness, and gain fame, success and popularity.
A rhodonite bracelet will strengthen self-confidence, give inspiration and recharge you energetically. This amulet is suitable for public creative people (artists, musicians, singers). It is better to wear it on the wrist of your left hand.
A figurine or other craft made from this gem is a wonderful talisman in the house. It will protect against scandals, intrigues, gossip, and envy. This is a good wedding gift; it will become a powerful family amulet.
The mineral also promotes the development of intuition. Gamblers consider it their stone.
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.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Rhodonite has positive energy, so wearing jewelry with it does not harm anyone.
According to astrologers, as a talisman or amulet, according to the horoscope, it is ideal for people born under the constellations Libra and Gemini . Under the influence of rhodonite magic:
- Libra will become self-confident, decisive, assertive. These qualities will help in the implementation and success of various projects.
- Gemini will have a good memory and developed intuition. Spotted rhodonite is especially suitable for this sign.
It is believed that it is more useful to wear this stone in a ring or pendant, but it can also be in your pocket.
about the effect of rhodonite on Aries and Sagittarius : some believe that it is not very suitable for these signs, others believe that their representatives have good compatibility with this gem, and it is useful for them to wear rhodonite jewelry.
