Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Rhodochrosite is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. While not abundant in nature, large natural stones of the translucent and opaque materials are available and are predominately pink with banded areas of white, gray, brown or yellow. Transparent gem quality Rhodochrosite is a very rare gemstone with most stones weighing less than a few carats and is strawberry pink or red in color, with the top gem material, usually from the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, commanding very high prices when available.

COLOR:
Translucent and opaque Rhodochrosite is typically pink and is often found with banded patterns or areas of white, gray, brown, or yellow (referred to as ‘bacon strip’ pattern). Gem quality is transparent pink (strawberry) or red.

APPEARANCE:
Translucent to opaque. Gem quality material is transparent and is typically included.

SIZE RANGE:
Translucent and opaque Rhodochrosite in aggregate material is available in very large pieces. Transparent material is available in sizes from 1 to 5 carats, clean stones over 5 carats are very rare.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: most cutting styles are available.
Translucent: cabochons, beads and carvings.

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Rhodochrosite has no known enhancements.

HARDNESS:
3½ to 4½ on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Gem quality Rhodochrosite is a very soft gemstone and as such, earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are probably the safest choice for this stone. Rings should be limited to occasional wear and the stones should be set with a protective setting. Avoid rough handing.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never (very heat sensitive)
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: very heat sensitive, heat can discolor or break the stone.
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Rhodochrosite, whose name is derived from the Greek word “rhodon” meaning rose, is a hydrothermal vein mineral found in low temperature ore deposits such as the old Inca silver mine in Catamarca, Argentina. The Incas believed that Rhodochrosite was the blood of their former rulers, turned to stone, therefore it is sometimes called “Rosa del Inca” or “Inca Rose”. Colorado officially named Rhodochrosite as its state mineral in 2002, reasoning that while the mineral is found worldwide, large red crystals are only found in a few places on earth, the best of those being from the Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado. However, the mine is closed at this time and is no longer producing material so the price for Sweet Home material is quickly rising.

DESIGNATION:
This gem has a long history but has no traditions currently associated with it.

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