Rhodonite (Mn₂SiO₆… actually CaMn₃Mn[Si₅O₁₅]) is a manganese silicate forming pink to rose-red massive aggregates and rare prismatic crystals. Its name from Greek “rhodon” (rose) reflects the diagnostic pink color. Wuhua (Guangdong) and the Broken Hill (Australia) and Franklin (NJ) deposits supply iconic specimens. Often paired with black manganese-oxide veins for striking contrast.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 5.5–6.5.
- Triclinic; rare prismatic crystals, more often massive granular aggregates.
- Diagnostic pink to rose-red color from Mn²⁺.
- Often paired with black Mn-oxide (pyrolusite, manganite) for striking ornamental display.
- Mn-rich silicate — forms in metamorphosed Mn-rich sedimentary protoliths.
Notable Localities
Wuhua (Guangdong, China) supplies major modern collector material. Broken Hill (Australia) and Franklin (NJ, USA) yield gem-quality crystals.
Found at these Localities
- Broken Hill (布罗肯希尔铅锌银矿)
- Franklin and Sterling Hill (富兰克林矿(新泽西))
