Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Rhodonite is a mineral species that is abundant in nature and typically found in translucent to opaque forms. In this form it is usually pink to purplish red, often with black veins or splotches. It may also have green or yellowish areas due to impurities.

Rhodonite is very rarely found in a transparent form and then, typically in stones of 2 carats or less. Transparent Rhodonite has a narrow natural color range of pink to red.

COLOR:
Pink to purplish red often with black veins or splotches. It may also have green or yellowish areas due to impurities. Transparent Rhodonite has a narrow natural color range of pink to red (RARE).

APPEARANCE:
Transparent to opaque.

SIZE RANGE:
Rhodonite in its opaque or translucent form is available in very large pieces. Transparent Rhodonite collector stones are typically under 2 carats.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: cabochons
Translucent: cabochons, beads or carvings.

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
There are no known enhancements of Rhodonite.

HARDNESS:
5½ to 6½ on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Rhodonite in its opaque or translucent form is very strong and can be used for most any jewelry. Transparent Rhodonite gemstones require more care, they can be worn but the jewelry should be designed to prevent chipping of the stone.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: opaque safe, transparent never
Steamer: opaque safe, transparent never
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: will fuse into dark glass when exposed to flame, heat may fracture it.
Stability to Light: stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
The name Rhodonite comes from the Greek word for rose, “rhodon”. Rhodonites rose-pink color is distinctive and can only be confused with Rhodochrosite, however, Rhodochrosite is streaked with white and is reactive to acids while Rhodonite is streaked with black manganese oxide and pyrite.

Rhodonite was once used to make service platters in Russia and was often given as a gift during royal czarist weddings.

DESIGNATION:
None documented.

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