Rhodonite
Rhodonite is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with notable Chinese occurrences.
About Rhodonite
Rhodonite is classified as a silicate mineral in the rhodonite group and has the chemical formula (Mn²⁺,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO₃. It crystallizes in the triclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Rhodonite typically forms tabular; massive (most common); granular. Its color range is broad, including rose-red, pink, brownish-red, brownish-pink, and often veined with black manganese oxide. The luster is vitreous, pearly on cleavage faces, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to opaque. The cleavage is perfect prismatic {110} and {1-10}. The fracture is conchoidal to uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
Rhodonite holds a steady place in systematic mineral collections. Huanggang Fe-Sn deposit is an important Chinese source for the species.