Rhodochrosite (MnCO₃) is the manganese carbonate, isostructural with calcite. Its name from Greek “rhodon” (rose) and “chros” (color) reflects the vibrant pink-to-rose-red hue from manganese substitution. China hosts collector-grade material from Wuzhou (Guangxi) and Hunan, while N’Chwaning II in South Africa and the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado produce the world’s finest gem-quality rhombohedral crystals.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 3.5–4.
- Trigonal carbonate, member of the calcite group.
- Color from pale pink to deep rose-red; iron substitution can produce brown shades.
- Forms rhombohedral or scalenohedral crystals; also botryoidal banded “stalactite” varieties.
- Banded “Rosa del Inca” stalactite material from Argentina is widely collected.
Notable Chinese Localities
Wuzhou (Guangxi) and Hunan produce rose-pink rhombohedral crystals. Inner Mongolia’s Mn-rich deposits yield massive banded material.
Found at these Localities
- Săcărâmb (Nagyág) (萨卡拉姆布金碲矿)
- Sweet Home Mine (甜蜜之家矿)
- Wessels Mine (韦塞尔斯锰矿)
- Wuzhou Mine (梧州矿)
- Inner Mongolia (内蒙古)
- Guangxi (广西)
- Hunan (湖南)
Available Products of Rhodochrosite
4 available specimens
