Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral and is pink to a deeper pink/red in color sometimes with yellow, orange, or brown hues and the swirls of white all form the characteristic markings of this crystal, some of which can be exquisite. It is often confused with the manganese silicate, and rhodonite, but is distinctly softer.
Rhodochrosite forms a complete solid solution series with iron carbonate (siderite). Calcium, (as well as magnesium and zinc, to a limited extent) frequently substitutes for manganese in the structure, leading to lighter shades of red and pink, depending on the degree of substitution. It is for this reason that the most common color encountered is pink.
Rhodochrosite is Argentina’s “national gemstone”. Colorado officially named rhodochrosite as its state mineral in 2002. It is sometimes called “Rosa del Inca”, “Inca Rose” or Rosinca.
Rhodochrosite: Meanings, Benefits and Properties
The frequency of Rhodochrosite is connected to the heart chakra and aids in the healing of emotional wounds and past traumas.
This beautiful crystal lends one courage to take action on issues and to express love for all things without fear.
The energy of this vivid pink-toned crystal aligns one to the frequency of love, helps to heal the “inner child” and brings wholeness to one’s being.
Rhodochrosite is a calming and soothing crystal that helps to combat stress and anxiety by replacing those emotions with deep heart-centered awareness, and inner peace.
On a physical level, its energy supports issues relating to the nervous system.
Associated Chakras
- Heart
Physical Ailment
- Nervous System
Emotional Issue
- Anxiety
- Emotional Trauma
- Stress
Spiritual Connection
- Emotional Healing
- Inner Peace
- Love – Directed Inward to Self
History
Rhodochrosite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral along with other manganese minerals in low-temperature ore deposits as in the silver mines of Romania where it was first found. Banded rhodochrosite is mined in Capillitas, Argentina.
It was first described in 1813 as a sample from Cavnic, Maramureş, present-day Romania. According to Dimitrescu and Radulescu, 1966 and Papp, 1997, this mineral was described for the first time in Sacaramb, Romania, not in Cavnic, Romania. The name is derived from the Greek word ῥοδόχρως meaning rose-colored.
