Sharp
scalenohedrons of Rhodochrosite
A portion of Rhodochrosite stalactite showing the zoned structure of these cave
deposits. From Argentina
A cabochon of Rhodochrosite.
Rhombohedral Rhodochrosite crystals on Quartz from Colorado.
Crystalline nodules of
rhombohedrans of Rhodochrosite.
Massive, travertine-like piece of Rhodochrosite.
Rhombs of Rhodochrosite with Quartz.
Another
cluster of Rhodochrosite crystals this on is from Sweet Home Mine, Alma,
Colorado. It is part of the Arizona
Mining and Mineral Museum Collection # MM-T259.
A drusy coating of Rhodochrosite
crystals from Murlo, Siena (Tuscany), Italy. The specimen measures 2.3"
from left to right.
CHEMISTRY MnCO3 Manganese carbonate
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY Hexagonal
CRYSTAL GROWTH AND HABITS Rhodochrosite typically forms rhombohedrons or scalenohedrons. It can also be coarse granular, botryoidal or stalactitic.
COLOR AND OTHER OPTICAL PROPERTIES Rhodochrosite is usually some shade of pink, from light to dark reddish.
HARDNESS 3.5 - 4
SPECIFIC GRAVITY 3.4 - 3.6
LUSTER Vitreous
STREAK White
BREAKABILITY Rhombohedral cleavage and brittle
OCCURRENCE Rhodochrosite is a secondary mineral found in association with silver, lead, zinc and copper ore bodies.
ASSOCIATED MINERALS Other carbonates, fluorite, barite, quartz
NAME From the Greek "rhodo" meaning rose and "chrosis" for color in allusion to its pink color.