Minerals · uncommon
Rhodonite
Rhodonite is a pink manganese silicate often featuring black veins of manganese oxide. It's the official gem of Massachusetts.
Also known as: pink stone, manganese mineral, russian gem.
Rhodonite properties at a glance
| Type | Minerals |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | MnSiO3 |
| Mohs hardness | 6 |
| Crystal system | triclinic |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 |
| Transparency | translucent |
| Common colors | Pink, Rose, Pink with black veins |
| Rarity | uncommon |
Geology & background
Forms through metamorphism of manganese-rich sediments or in hydrothermal veins.
Discovered in the Ural Mountains, it became a favorite of Russian aristocracy in the 18th century.
How to identify Rhodonite
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Rhodonite examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Full Rhodonite identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Rhodonite vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Rhodonite.
Where Rhodonite is found
Rhodonite is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Rhodonite worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $5 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $30 |
| Premium specimen | $200+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Decorative objects
- Carvings
Interesting facts
- Name comes from Greek 'rhodon' meaning rose
- Official gem of Massachusetts, USA
- Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna had an entire room decorated with rhodonite
Care & safety
Treat Rhodonite as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Rhodonite FAQ
What is Rhodonite?
Rhodonite is a pink manganese silicate often featuring black veins of manganese oxide. It's the official gem of Massachusetts.
How much is Rhodonite worth?
Entry-level Rhodonite specimens sell for around $5, a typical collector specimen for about $30, and premium pieces for $200 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Rhodonite?
Rhodonite has a Mohs hardness of 6. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
Where is Rhodonite found?
Notable sources of Rhodonite include Russia, Australia, Sweden, USA, and Brazil. Forms through metamorphism of manganese-rich sediments or in hydrothermal veins..
What is Rhodonite used for?
Rhodonite is used for jewelry, decorative objects, and carvings.
